ATLANTA (RTWNews) — In early 2024, former University of Alabama defensive tackle Luther Davis donned makeup and a wig for a video call set in an upscale suburban Atlanta hotel, securing a $4 million loan under false pretenses.
Davis convinced investors that the loan was intended for a player in the NFL and ingeniously impersonated the athlete, successfully carrying out the ruse.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta has filed a criminal complaint detailing the allegations against Davis and his accomplice, CJ Evins, who are implicated in a wider conspiracy.
Federal prosecutors claim that Davis employed various disguises to impersonate at least three NFL players in separate incidents occurring in March and July, managing to defraud lenders out of millions more in loans. The complaint keeps the identities of the victims anonymous, only referencing them by initials.
Davis and Evins are facing one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Both pleaded not guilty in March, but court documents reveal they are scheduled for a plea hearing on April 27.
Communication attempts with Davis' attorney, Gabe Banks, were not immediately successful. Meanwhile, Evins' lawyer, Benjamin Alper, confirmed his client intends to enter a guilty plea but declined to provide further comment.
As per the complaint, the NFL players had not authorized Davis or Evins to acquire the loans. In addition to wearing disguises, prosecutors noted that Davis utilized forged driver's licenses featuring the players' images sourced from the internet.
The scheme is estimated to have generated nearly $20 million through at least 13 fraudulent loans, with Davis and Evins allegedly using the funds to purchase real estate, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and more.
Davis previously achieved national championship status with the Crimson Tide in 2010, marking a stark contrast to his current legal woes.
