Two Georgia Men Admit to $19.8 Million Fraud Scheme Impersonating Professional Athletes
ATLANTA, Ga. — Two Georgia men have pleaded guilty to federal charges after carrying out a scheme in which they impersonated professional athletes to secure nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans, according to federal prosecutors.
Luther Davis, 37, of Roswell, and CJ Evins, 29, of Johns Creek, admitted to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme, which spanned from May 2023 through October 2024.
Prosecutors said the pair posed as managers for professional athletes and created fraudulent business entities using names similar to those of the athletes. They opened bank accounts tied to those entities, fabricated financial documents and established fake email accounts to support their claims.
As part of the scheme, Davis and Evins obtained fake driver’s licenses and identification cards in the athletes’ names and used those identities to secure loans. Authorities said the defendants also impersonated the athletes during loan closings, appearing on camera while wearing wigs and makeup and signing documents using the athletes’ names.
Officials said the defendants obtained approximately $19.8 million through at least a dozen fraudulent loans. The money was used to pay off previous loans and to fund personal purchases, including real estate, jewelry and luxury items.
The scheme was uncovered when a union representing professional athletes discovered that player contracts submitted as collateral were fraudulent.
“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.
“Davis and Evins built an elaborate scheme on deception—impersonating professional athletes, fabricating credentials, and even disguising themselves to close the deal,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham.
Sentencing for Evins is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026, and Davis is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 8, 2026, both before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brock Brockington.
