An alleged fraudster, Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, posed as a player for the San Francisco 49ers and scammed over 26 women out of $1.3 million, according to federal authorities. Love and his alleged accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were arrested on Monday at an airport in Boise, Idaho, after investigators discovered Love was in the state to meet potential new victims, as reported by the Department of Justice.
The two individuals were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to a federal complaint filed in Portland, Oregon. The alleged fraudulent activities began in February 2022, during which Love and Chan created fictitious investment opportunities to defraud women in California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
According to the Justice Department, Love convinced female victims that he was a wealthy 49ers player or a successful real estate investor. Chan allegedly posed as Love’s financial advisor to gain the victims' trust and validate the investment opportunities.
Love reportedly met the women through online dating apps, showcasing a luxury lifestyle both in person and on social media. His Instagram account featured numerous photos and videos of him in 49ers gear while exercising.
The DOJ stated that Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims, claiming he wanted to build wealth and a future with them. He advertised non-existent investment vehicles, promising significant returns for both himself and the victims.
Chan is accused of sending messages to Love to encourage purported investments in new opportunities. Love allegedly forwarded these messages to his victims to persuade them to send money to him or Chan. Victims believed their funds would be invested legitimately, with some even taking out personal loans at Love's suggestion to provide him with cash.
According to the FBI, once victims began to inquire about their investments or reported financial difficulties, Love would block communication with them. Authorities noted that none of the victims received any returns on their investments, and Love is accused of using phone applications to create fake bank and investment accounts to deceive his victims.
Federal authorities believe there may be additional victims beyond the 26 identified. Love and Chan are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday in Idaho.