Federal Grand Jury Indicts Oregon Real Estate Fraud Suspect
Daejon Labrayae Delenar Love is accused of swindling 26 victims out of $1.3 million through a romantic investment scheme.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Daejon Labrayae Delenar Love, who was arrested August 24, 2026, faces a federal wire fraud indictment for allegedly posing as an NFL player and investor to solicit funds. He is accused of using personal loans from victims to bankroll luxury travel and personal spending.
Why it matters
The case highlights the growing risks of romance scams that exploit online dating platforms to build trust before soliciting fake investments. Prosecutors allege that the defendant promised rapid returns while funnelling victim money into personal expenses.
Love faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is subject to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He has entered a plea of not guilty following his arrest by federal agents.
The players
Daejon Labrayae Delenar Love
The 35-year-old defendant stands accused of wire fraud related to a long-term investment scheme.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The federal agency is leading the investigative effort into the wire fraud conspiracy case.
The details
Prosecutors claim Love utilized social media and dating profiles to build relationships with 26 victims, convincing them to take out personal loans for investments. He allegedly disguised his identity as an NFL player and real estate investor to secure the funds.
Timeline
Love began traveling through multiple states starting July 15, 2026.
Federal agents arrested Love at the Boise Airport on August 24, 2026.
A jury trial for the case is scheduled to begin on December 15, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects a broader trend of romance-based financial exploitation similar to the 2022 Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler. It underscores the challenges authorities face in tracking perpetrators who use online personas to solicit funds across state lines.
The FBI investigation highlights the importance of verifying the credentials of any individual met online who requests financial investments. Residents are encouraged to be cautious of investment opportunities that promise fast, high returns regardless of the personal connection established.
The takeaway
Always exercise extreme skepticism when an online acquaintance requests money for investments, especially those promising high returns. Verify the background of any individual who claims to be an athlete or professional investor before providing personal financial information.
What happens next
A jury trial for the defendant is scheduled to begin on December 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more on similar enforcement actions, visit the Financial Crime section.
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