Daejon Love faces federal fraud charges
Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, faces federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges after prosecutors accused him of posing as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor while targeting women through dating platforms.
Federal authorities say Love and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, received about $1.3 million from 26 identified victims. Both were arrested on August 24, 2026, at Boise Airport, while investigators said Love planned additional meetings.
Ayana Velasquez recalls meeting Love
Ayana Velasquez said she met Love through a dating app in 2021, when he called himself Jonathan. She recalled that he talked about wanting a future with her, having children and providing a home.
Love contacted Velasquez again in 2024, claiming he was an NFL player. She became skeptical after receiving images and videos that supposedly showed him playing football, saying the story seemed too good to be true.
Ayana Velasquez checked the videos
Velasquez saved the videos Love sent and checked their information on her phone. She said the files appeared to be screen recordings, which increased her doubts that the football material originally belonged to him.
She blocked Love without sending money and later recognized him in news coverage after his August 2026 arrest. Velasquez said that was when she finally learned the real identity behind the name Jonathan.
Daejon Love allegedly built NFL persona
Prosecutors allege Love presented himself as a San Francisco 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor. Investigators say his social media posts displayed team clothing, luxury vehicles, financial balances, and other signs of wealth.
One Instagram Story described in federal records showed Love holding a 49ers helmet while discussing his supposed NFL path. Another video presented him as choosing San Francisco because he already lived around the Bay Area.
Daejon Love allegedly used dating apps
Investigators say Love met most identified victims through dating applications and developed romantic relationships with many. Prosecutors allege he discussed building wealth and a future together before introducing supposed investment opportunities to the women.
Love allegedly promoted investments that did not exist and promised large returns. Federal records indicate that some women sent money directly, while others took personal loans after receiving assurances that repayment would be quick.
Taylor Chan allegedly posed as adviser
Prosecutors say Chan falsely acted as Love’s financial adviser and participated in messages about supposed investments. Investigators allege the pair also held three-way FaceTime calls showing fabricated gains to encourage women to send money.
Federal investigators say phone applications created fictitious bank and investment balances. Love allegedly displayed those accounts to support claims about his wealth and make the proposed investments appear more credible to the women involved.
Federal records show $1.3 million received
Financial records reviewed by investigators showed Love and Chan received about $1.3 million from identified victims. Prosecutors say none of the identified and interviewed victims reported receiving investment proceeds, returns of principal or investment account information after sending money.
Authorities identified 26 victims in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, while the FBI believes additional victims may exist. Federal investigators have asked anyone with information about Love or Chan to contact the agency.
Domonique DuBose questioned Love’s story
Domonique DuBose said Love contacted her through Hinge in November 2025. She said he claimed to be an NFL player and shared images of himself wearing 49ers gear, as well as footage from inside a locker room.
DuBose checked his story because she knew someone connected to the 49ers during the period Love claimed to have played. That person did not remember him appearing on San Francisco’s roster or practice squad.
Domonique DuBose noticed inconsistencies
DuBose said Love’s Instagram account showed about 85,000 followers when they connected. She also received images of expensive homes and vehicles, financial statements, and explanations of his supposed professional football career.
Her doubts increased when Love claimed he played for San Francisco from 2011 through 2012. After checking that assertion through her personal connection to the team, DuBose blocked his number and sent no money.
Daejon Love allegedly used several names
Federal investigators say Love used several names during the alleged scheme, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love. The aliases appeared across online profiles and personal interactions.
Investigators tracked Love through New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho between July 15 and August 24, 2026. Authorities say he was in Boise to meet new prospective victims before law enforcement arrested him.
Fun fact: Love reportedly filmed himself signing what he presented as a 49ers contract, turning the alleged impersonation into a full fake signing day.
49ers players react to impersonation case
Several 49ers players later reacted to reports about the alleged impersonation. Their comments reflected disbelief and amusement while also noting how polished social media profiles can create convincing but misleading impressions for viewers online.
Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling had recently switched to No. 7, the same jersey number linked online to Love’s alleged football persona. The coincidence prompted jokes after the federal case became public in late August.
Daejon Love remains in federal custody
Federal authorities charged Love and Chan by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. A criminal complaint contains allegations, and both defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A judge ordered Love detained pending transfer to Oregon after his Idaho hearing. Chan was released from custody on August 27 under court conditions and has an initial Oregon appearance scheduled for September 10.
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Daejon Love case highlights verification
The case combines alleged romance deception, investment fraud, and a false sports identity. Prosecutors say emotional relationships, supposed financial expertise, luxury imagery, and the 49ers’ persona were used together to establish trust.
Velasquez and DuBose both described checking details about Love’s claims, while federal authorities identified 26 victims who allegedly lost money. Their accounts show how reviewing employment claims, videos, and financial information exposed inconsistencies.
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Daejon Love’s alleged 49ers identity reportedly convinced some women before others checked his claims. Which warning sign would have made you suspicious first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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