A man suspected of taking on the persona of a 49ers player to lure women he met online into an alleged fraudulent investment scheme — dating back to 2022 and spanning four states — has been charged with wire fraud.

Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, allegedly presented himself to women as a wealthy San Francisco 49ers player or real estate investor, using a lavish lifestyle and social media posts to bolster the image, according to a release from the District of Oregon’s US Attorney’s Office. He met most of the women through dating apps, and in many cases, developed romantic relationships with them while pitching nonexistent investments that he claimed could generate substantial returns.

 

Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, allegedly helped make the scheme appear legitimate by posing as Love’s financial adviser. The two exchanged messages about supposed investment opportunities, which Love then showed to victims, and participated in three-way FaceTime calls where they displayed falsified investment gains. Love also allegedly used phone apps to create fake bank and investment accounts and balances to further convince women that he was legitimately wealthy.

According to federal court documents, Love and Chan solicited money from women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California, telling them their money would be invested and, in some cases, encouraging them to take out personal loans. Love allegedly promised that they would be quickly repaid.

The scheme continued until their arrests August 24 at Boise Airport, after Chan flew from California to meet Love in Idaho. Investigators say Love was there to meet new targets, and that he had traveled through New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho during the preceding several weeks.

Once women ran out of money to invest or began asking too many questions, Love allegedly cut off contact while keeping their money. None of the identified victims interviewed by investigators reported receiving investment returns, proceeds, or account information after sending money.

Financial records indicate Love and Chan received approximately $1.3 million from victims, according to the FBI, which has identified 26 women so far and believes there may be additional victims. Love allegedly used several names during the scheme, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love.

Love and Chan were charged by criminal complaint in the District of Oregon with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They remain in federal custody in Boise and were scheduled to make their first court appearances Thursday, August 27. The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Chris Cardani for the District of Oregon.

The FBI is asking anyone with information about Love or Chan to contact the bureau.

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