Federal prosecutors say a man who sold himself as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is now sitting in an Idaho jail, and his first mugshot since the arrest is out.
Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, was photographed in an orange jail top after authorities booked him following an Aug. 24 arrest at Boise Airport. Prosecutors say he and 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan ran a multi-state scheme that pulled about $1.3 million from at least 26 women in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The FBI says it believes there are more victims.
Love is being held as a “serious risk of flight” while he awaits transfer to Oregon, where he and Chan face federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A court date in Portland is expected after the transfer.
The 49ers story that wasn’t
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, the alleged operation began in February 2022 and continued until the airport arrests. Love met most of the women on dating apps, then presented himself as an NFL player and a wealthy investor. Chan allegedly posed as Love’s financial adviser to make the pitch look legitimate.
Investigators say Love posted photos and videos in 49ers gear, claimed he had signed with the team, and used aliases including Jon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love. NFL and 49ers representatives told investigators he was never employed by the team or the league.
Prosecutors allege Love convinced many of the women they were in real romantic relationships and that the pair could grow their money through investments. Court records say victims were later blocked after they ran out of cash or started asking questions. Investigators say none of the interviewed victims received the promised returns or loan repayments.
Arrest came as they allegedly hunted new targets
Warrants were issued in Oregon on Aug. 17. A week later, FBI agents and local law enforcement grabbed Love and Chan at the Boise Airport. Prosecutors say Chan had flown in from California to meet Love, who was in Idaho to meet new victims. From mid-July through the arrest, investigators say Love had traveled through New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.
An Idaho filing cited by OutKick said Love was wearing 49ers apparel when he was arrested and that agents later found cash and team gear, including a helmet, at an Airbnb tied to him.
What happens next
Love remains in custody in Idaho pending transfer. Both men have been charged by criminal complaint in Portland. The FBI is asking anyone who may have been targeted to come forward.
Love and Chan have been charged; they have not been convicted. The allegations are contained in charging documents and statements from federal prosecutors.
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