Two men were arrested at Boise Airport on Aug. 24 in a federal case that prosecutors say took about $1.3 million from 26 women. Investigators allege one man presented himself as either a San Francisco 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor, while the other posed as his financial adviser. The charges remain allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in court.
Boise became the end point of a multistate case
Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were charged by criminal complaint in federal court in Oregon. The complaint lists conspiracy and wire offenses tied to an alleged investment operation that authorities say began in February 2022.
Arrest warrants were issued Aug. 17. According to investigators, Chan flew from California to Idaho one week later to meet Love. Federal agents and other law enforcement officers then arrested both men at Boise Airport. Prosecutors said Love had come to Idaho seeking additional victims.
The investigation also traced Love's travel through New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho between July 15 and Aug. 24. That broad path matters for Idaho public safety because investigators have already connected alleged losses in this state to claims made elsewhere.
Prosecutors describe a manufactured show of wealth
Court records cited by federal prosecutors say Love met most of the women through dating apps. He allegedly built romantic relationships while presenting an expensive lifestyle and claiming access to investments with unusually large returns. Chan allegedly supported those claims by acting as an adviser who could confirm that the opportunities were legitimate.
Investigators say the presentation went beyond conversation. Love allegedly used phone applications to display invented bank and investment balances. Prosecutors also describe screenshots of messages between the two men and three-person video calls in which supposed gains were shown to prospective investors.
Some women were allegedly encouraged to obtain personal loans when they did not have cash available. Authorities say communication ended after a woman ran out of money or pressed for answers. Among the victims interviewed, investigators found no one who reported receiving a return, repayment of principal or direct information for an account holding her money.
The known victim map includes Idaho
Financial records reviewed by investigators show about $1.3 million sent by 26 identified women in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and California, according to the federal release. The FBI believes the actual number of victims could be higher.
The government also says Love used several names, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love. Anyone who dealt with either defendant and has relevant information can contact the FBI through its online tip portal or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
For Idaho families, the local arrest is the visible end of a case that prosecutors say was built through private messages, financial transfers and personal trust. It also shows why reporting matters. One loss may look isolated until law enforcement can connect names, accounts and travel across state lines.
Familiar warning signs wore an unusual costume
The claimed NFL career gives this case its headline, but the conduct described by investigators follows a more familiar pattern. A new romantic contact offers private investments, presents screenshots as evidence, promises rapid gains and asks for more money when the first transfer is gone.
The FBI separately advises people to be cautious when an online romantic contact claims access to exclusive investments or presses for a quick decision. The bureau tells potential victims to contact their financial institution promptly and report suspicious activity to federal investigators.
The Boise arrests do not decide guilt. They do show why investigators ask potential victims to preserve messages, payment records and account information. In a case that crosses several states, those records can help law enforcement connect one private loss to a broader pattern and pursue accountability.