Luther Davis and CJ Evins pleaded guilty on April 27 to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges after they obtained nearly $20 million in loans by impersonating professional athletes. The two men pretended to be managers for the athletes, using disguises such as wigs and makeup during their scheme.
The case is significant because it highlights how sophisticated fraud schemes can target both financial institutions and high-profile individuals. The prosecution reflects ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address complex financial crimes that involve identity theft.
“Using fake documents, bogus corporations, wigs, and makeup, Davis and Evins convinced lenders they were NFL players, obtained millions of dollars in fraudulent loans, and used the proceeds of their crimes to purchase real estate and luxury items,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This scheme highlights that anyone can be a target of identity theft, and my office will vigorously investigate and prosecute swindlers who steal identities to defraud others.” Hertzberg holds the position of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website.
Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta said: “Davis and Evins built an elaborate scheme on deception—impersonating professional athletes, fabricating credentials, and even disguising themselves to close the deal. This case underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting victims from complex financial fraud and identity theft. Those who exploit others’ reputations for personal gain will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”
According to information presented in court by Hertzberg: Between May 26, 2023, and October 25, 2024, Davis and Evins registered companies with names similar to those of well-known athletes or their initials; opened bank accounts under these fictitious companies; provided false financial statements; created fraudulent email accounts; obtained fake identification cards; secured multiple loans using these methods; used loan proceeds for personal purchases including real estate jewelry; paid off previous loan balances with new funds; posed as borrowers at loan closings while disguised as professional football players when required by lenders; signed paperwork under assumed identities resulting in victim lenders depositing funds into accounts controlled by them.
The scheme was discovered when a union representing professional athletes found that contracts submitted as collateral were not genuine. In total they received twelve fraudulent loans (one refinanced) amounting to $19.8 million.
Both defendants were charged via criminal information in March 2026 with sentencing scheduled later this year before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brock Brockington prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as principal federal law enforcement agency in its region covering north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs bordering Alabama & Carolinas—a district serving about 7.5 million residents—as reported by its official website (official website). The office prioritizes prosecuting threats like terrorism human trafficking civil rights violations coordinates cases nationally/internationally enforces federal criminal laws represents United States civil matters collaborates closely with law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions (official website).
For more information contact Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404)581-6016.
