Georgia men plead guilty to nearly $20 million fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted professional athletes

ATLANTA - Luther Davis and CJ Evins pleaded guilty today to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges after they tricked lenders into providing nearly $20 million in loans by pretending to represent professional athletes. As part of their scheme, the pair posed as managers of the athletes and wore disguises to impersonate the athletes.

"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."

"Davis and Evins built an elaborate scheme on deception-impersonating professional athletes, fabricating credentials, and even disguising themselves to close the deal," said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "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 U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between at least May 26, 2023, and October 25, 2024, Davis and Evins secured millions of dollars in loans, purportedly on behalf of professional athletes who they falsely claimed to represent. To create the appearance that they represented the athletes, Davis and Evins registered companies with names closely related to the impersonated athletes' names or initials, opened bank accounts for these fictitious companies, provided fabricated personal financial statements, created fraudulent email accounts, and obtained fake driver's licenses and identification cards in the athletes' names.

The defendants obtained multiple loans on behalf of unsuspecting professional athletes, using loan proceeds to pay off previous loan balances and to fund their own lifestyles, including purchasing and/or refinancing real estate, jewelry, and watches. As the defendants sought higher value loans, lenders required that the borrowers-who the lenders believed to be professional football players-appear on camera at loan closings. During these loan closings, the defendants posed as the borrowers by impersonating several professional athletes, including wearing wigs and makeup and signing loan paperwork in the athletes' names. The victim lenders then deposited loan proceeds into bank accounts controlled by the defendants.

The scheme was uncovered when a union that represents professional athletes learned that the player contracts that the defendants used as collateral for the loans were fraudulent. During the scheme, the defendants obtained a dozen fraudulent loans (with one loan refinanced) worth a total of $19,845,000.

Today, Luther Davis, 37, of Roswell, Georgia, and CJ Evins, 29, of Johns Creek, Georgia, pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Both defendants were charged by criminal information on March 19, 2026, and March 20, 2026. Sentencing for CJ Evins is scheduled for August 4, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg. Sentencing for Luther Davis is scheduled for October 8, 2026, also before Judge Grimberg.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brock Brockington is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.