MIAMI, FL -- A former Syracuse Orange lineman is among three former professional football players charged in a South Florida tax refund and identity theft scheme.

Federal prosecutors said Tuesday the FBI operated an undercover check-cashing store in North Miami used by a total of eight suspects from February through April. The group allegedly cashed about $500,000 in fraudulent refund checks. The money was paid out of FBI funds and no checks were actually cashed.

One of the suspects, 31-year-old Louis Gachelin of Miami, was a member of the Orange from 1999-2003. He amassed 81 solo tackles, 18.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles over his four year college career. He was first team all-Big East in 2003 before playing for the New England Patriots and in Europe.

The other former pro players are ex-Oakland Raiders and New York Giants defensive tackle William Joseph and running back Michael Bennett, once a Minnesota Vikings first-round pick who played for several teams.

All three face forgery and theft charges. It wasn't immediately clear if they had lawyers.

(Information from the Associated Press was used in this report)