Federal authorities arrested Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, at a Boise, Idaho airport on Monday, charging them with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with an alleged $1.3 million romance and investment scam targeting at least 26 women, according to the Department of Justice.
The Mechanics of the Alleged Romance and Investment Scam
Starting in February 2022, the suspects allegedly operated a scheme across California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, according to court documents filed in Portland, Oregon. Daejon Labrayae Love allegedly posed as a wealthy San Francisco 49ers football player or a wealthy real estate investor while meeting victims on online dating applications. Taylor Jamie Chan allegedly posed as Love’s financial advisor to lend legitimacy to the operation, according to federal investigators.
The FBI stated that victims sent money under the belief that funds would enter legitimate investment vehicles managed on their behalf. Love allegedly advertised nonexistent investment vehicles claiming to generate massive returns. When victims lacked liquid cash, Love instructed them to take out personal loans with assurances of quick repayment, according to the Department of Justice.
Fabricated Financial Records and Lifestyle Presentation
Investigators report that Love used mobile phone applications to generate fake bank and investment account balances, which he then displayed to victims to prove account growth. Taylor Jamie Chan allegedly sent text messages to Love detailing supposed investment opportunities, which Love then screenshotted and shared with victims to solicit additional funds. No victims ever received a return on their money, according to federal authorities.
Love’s social media presence featured photos and videos of him wearing 49ers gear while working out, aiding the facade of professional sports wealth. The Department of Justice stated that Love severed communication with victims once they questioned the scheme or stated they had exhausted their funds.
Next Legal Steps and Ongoing Investigation
Federal authorities stated that additional victims may exist beyond the 26 individuals already identified. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in an Idaho federal court on Thursday to face the wire fraud and conspiracy charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.