Man Posing as San Francisco 49er Indicted in Wire Fraud Scheme

PORTLAND, Ore.- A Sacramento County, California, man charged in a wire fraud scheme made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. magistrate judge. A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging 35-year-old Daejon Labrayae Delenar Love with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to the indictment, Love and a co-conspirator solicited victims to invest in fraudulent high-yield investment opportunities, including an "expedited account" that promised unusually large and rapid returns. To gain victims' trust, Love allegedly presented himself as a wealthy real estate investor or a current or former NFL player.

The indictment further alleges that Love used online dating and social media profiles containing fabricated personal and financial information, developed romantic relationships with victims, and staged displays of wealth to persuade victims to send cash or wire funds. Instead of investing the money as promised, Love allegedly used it for personal expenses, including travel, lodging, high-end vehicles, clothing, jewelry, and other purchases.

Love was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and was ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on December 15, 2026.

If convicted, Love faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. He will also be required to forfeit any property obtained with proceeds from the scheme.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Christopher Cardani are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In April, the Department of Justice announced the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a new unit dedicated to investigating and prosecuting fraud. The division supports the President's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, which coordinates government-wide efforts to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs.