Daejon Love’s fake NFL persona keeps getting messier.
Already facing a federal fraud case, Love is now being linked online to alleged messages with a 17-year-old girl while posing as a San Francisco 49ers player. According to Gridiron Heroics, screenshots circulating online show Love allegedly telling the girl he was 21, even though the report says he was actually 33 when the exchange allegedly took place.
The girl reportedly made it clear she was 17 and would not turn 18 until February. Love allegedly replied by asking when she would turn 18. He reportedly kept the conversation going while sticking to the same fabricated football identity, including claims that he played for the 49ers and was trying to clear waivers.
The newly surfaced material is still just an online allegation. It is not part of the federal charges against Love, which center on wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The federal charging announcement does not mention the teenager allegation.
That federal case is already substantial on its own. Prosecutors say Love and Taylor Jamie Chan were arrested on August 24 and accused of running a romance and investment scheme involving at least 26 women. Authorities say the pair collected approximately $1.3 million from victims, and investigators believe there may be more.
Love allegedly used dating apps, social media and fabricated financial information to win trust. Prosecutors say he presented himself as either a 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor. Authorities also say he used multiple names, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love.
Investigators say Love traveled through several states before he was arrested. He and Chan were ultimately taken into custody at Boise Airport after authorities learned Love was in Idaho to meet potential victims.
The U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized that the criminal complaint contains allegations.
Love remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. For now, the alleged messages are just the latest unsettling detail attached to the increasingly elaborate fake 49ers story prosecutors say he built.
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