A California man accused of falsely claiming ties to the San Francisco 49ers has pleaded not guilty in a federal fraud case in Oregon after investigators said he used dating profiles, social media, and displays of wealth to lure victims into a scheme totaling over $1 million, according to Portland-area news outlet KATU.
Here's what to know
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said a federal grand jury indicted 35-year-old Daejon Labrayae Delenar Love on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that Love and a co-conspirator solicited money for supposedly high-yield investments, including an "expedited account" that promised unusually large and fast returns.
Love also allegedly told people he was, variously, a wealthy real estate investor, a current NFL player, and a former NFL player. The indictment, cited by KATU, asserted that he used online dating and social media profiles containing fabricated personal and financial details to form relationships with victims before asking them for money.
Financial records cited by officials show that Love and a co-conspirator received about $1.3 million from at least 26 victims. Authorities said none of those victims recovered their money or received legitimate information about the investments they thought had been made.
The alleged scheme combined emotional manipulation with financial pressure.
"Love convinced many of the victims they were in sincere romantic relationships with Love," the U.S. Attorney's August said when it announced the charges in August. "... Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together."
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Some women, officials said, loaned Love large sums, with Love sometimes telling them to take out personal loans in order to do so, according to KATU.
More background
The indictment says the money was never invested as promised. Instead, officials allege Love used victim funds for personal expenses, including travel, lodging, high-end vehicles, clothing, and jewelry, KATU reported.
Investigators also traced the allegations across several states. Authorities said Love traveled to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho from July 15 through Aug. 24. That interstate activity may help explain why the case is being handled federally and why officials say the allegations extend beyond a single misleading investment pitch.
What's being done?
Federal agents arrested Love and an alleged co-conspirator at Boise Airport on Aug. 24.
Love appeared in federal court and was ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, KATU reported, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and forfeiture of property obtained with proceeds from the alleged scheme.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, according to the local outlet, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting it. Love's jury trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 15, while authorities say they believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified.
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