At least 35 additional women have come forward with fraud allegations against Daejon Love, who is accused of posing as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor, the FBI announced on Friday. Federal authorities had previously stated that Love conned more than two dozen women, many met on dating apps, out of $1.3m.
Love, 35, and alleged accomplice Taylor Chan, 18, who reportedly posed as his financial adviser, were arrested in August and have been charged with wire fraud. Prosecutors allege the plot began around February 2022 and continued until their arrest.
According to federal authorities, Love allegedly used AI-assisted fake identities, fabricated investment accounts, and staged video calls with Chan to gain the confidence of women in California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. He reportedly convinced several women, who believed they were dating him, to send him money for investments with promises of high returns.
At a news conference on Friday, Portland FBI special agent Douglas Olson criticised jokes made about the women involved in the scheme. Olson stated that victim blaming is unjust and harmful, overlooking the calculated and manipulative lengths used to deceive and exploit others. He urged any other potential victims to contact law enforcement.