The name Daejon Love trended after federal prosecutors announced charges in an alleged romance and investment fraud scheme. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon said Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The announcement states that a complaint is an accusation and that both defendants are presumed innocent.

According to the Justice Department, investigators allege that the scheme began in February 2022 and involved fictitious investments presented to women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California. Prosecutors say Love used dating applications and social media, while Chan allegedly posed as Love’s financial adviser. The department said the pair solicited money through false claims about investment opportunities and expected returns.

The federal announcement says financial records identified about $1.3 million received from victims and that 26 victims had been identified at the time of the release. It also says investigators believe there may be additional victims. Those figures are allegations described by prosecutors, not findings after a trial.

The case drew public attention because prosecutors allege that Love falsely presented himself as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real-estate investor. SFGATE reported that the FBI and Justice Department said the alleged online persona used football imagery and other signals intended to build trust. The report also noted that the 49ers and NFL said Love had never been employed by them, according to the allegations it reviewed.

The Justice Department said both defendants were arrested at Boise Airport on August 24 and were expected to make their first court appearance on August 27. For readers following Daejon Love, the verified news is the federal charge announcement, the alleged method and the stated presumption of innocence. No guilt, sentence, victim identity or final court outcome should be inferred before a court record establishes it.