Two ex-Florida Gators reach plea deal in credit card fraud scandal

GAINESVILLE — Former Florida Gator linemen Jordan Smith and Kadeem Telfort both accepted plea deals Friday from the credit card scandal that ensnared nine football players last season.

Both Telfort and Smith pled no contest to one third-degree felony charge of scheming to defraud, according to Alachua County court records. They each received two years of probation and must pay $521 in court costs.

Telfort initially faced 30 felony complaints. The former four-star recruit and Miami native was accused of using stolen credit card information from at least 10 individuals to add $1,450 to his school bookstore account and purchase $89.48 in food from 352 Delivery.

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"Mr. Telfort is  very remorseful for the pain that his actions have caused," his attorney, Peter Schoenthal said in a statement. "However, he is also grateful for the learning experience and for being given the opportunity to make those affected by his actions whole. Mr. Telfort looks forward to continuing his studies and his football career. Mr. Telfort will use this experience as a teaching point and be a positive influence going forward."

Police accused Smith of being a possible "ringleader in the fraud case." Smith faced nine formal felony complaints, according to court records. Police alleged that he used stolen credit card information to add $3,570 to his bookstore account and settle debts of $1,450 (UF transportation/parking) and $1,008 (apartment lease). Smith was a four-star prospect from Georgia who redshirted in 2016.

Both left the program without playing a down. Telfort plans to continue his playing career at Garden City (Kan.) Community College.

Smith and Telfort were the only two players accused of wrongdoing who did not receive pre-trial intervention in the case.

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Five of the nine players — running back Jordan Scarlett, linebacker James Houston, defensive lineman Keivonnis Davis, receiver Rick Wells and linebacker Ventrell Miller — have rejoined the team. The other two have either left for the NFL draft (receiver Antonio Callaway) or to pursue a transfer (lineman Richerd Desir-Jones).