Federal authorities have accused a man of impersonating a San Francisco 49ers football player to defraud more than two dozen women of approximately $1.3 million.
The FBI took Daejon Love, 35, and his alleged accomplice Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, into custody on 24 August in Boise, Idaho. Federal prosecutors in the District of Oregon have charged both individuals with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The two defendants are currently being held in federal custody in Boise.
According to investigators, the scheme began in February 2022 and continued for more than four years until the arrests. Authorities allege that Love crafted fake personas to connect with women on dating applications, presenting himself as a member of the 49ers. To reinforce the deception, he shared social media photos showing him dressed in official team apparel and standing alongside high-end vehicles.
Prosecutors say Love and Chan fabricated fraudulent investment opportunities to swindle 26 victims residing in California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. The FBI has indicated that additional victims likely exist beyond those who have come forward.
In a statement, the US attorney’s office explained: “Love convinced many of the victims they were in sincere romantic relationships, that he was a sophisticated investor, and that Chan was his investment adviser who helped Love grow a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars.”
Officials further noted that Love “had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together. Love advertised nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed these investments would generate massive returns for both him and his victims.”
None of the alleged victims who spoke with investigators reported receiving any returns on their investments or repayments for loans extended to Love and Chan.
According to the US attorney’s office, Love would cut off all communication with the women once they exhausted their funds or began pressing for answers.
