Federal prosecutors say a man posing as a San Francisco 49ers player scammed at least 26 women out of about $1.3 million in a romance-and-investment scheme that ran from February 2022 until last week.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon said Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They were arrested Aug. 24 at the Boise, Idaho, airport, the Justice Department said. Warrants were issued Aug. 17 in Portland.
Prosecutors say Love met most of the women on dating apps and told them they were building a future together. He portrayed himself as a 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor and said their money would go into investments, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. Chan allegedly posed as Love’s financial adviser and joined calls that showed fake gains.
An FBI affidavit described Instagram posts of Love in 49ers gear, training clips and a video that looked like a contract signing. OutKick published video in which he says he is signing with “the Niners.” Representatives for the NFL and the 49ers told investigators Love was never employed by the team or the league, Fox News/OutKick reported, citing the affidavit.
Prosecutors say Love blocked victims when they ran out of money or asked questions. Financial records show about $1.3 million went to Love and Chan. The FBI believes there are more victims in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
The charges are allegations. Both men remain in federal custody in Boise pending the case in Oregon.
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