
Former NFL cornerback Buster Skrine was arrested at his Roswell, Georgia home on Wednesday morning and faces 18 charges in connection to a financial fraud scheme that targeted women on dating apps. Authorities report that Skrine is also wanted in Canada on similar charges.
Skrine allegedly deceived victims into thinking he was in financial turmoil, promising repayment from his NFL annuity. He is believed to have scammed at least three women, causing total losses of around $300,000, which he used to maintain a lavish lifestyle, including expensive rentals, travel, and gift cards. The investigation began in July after one victim came forward with allegations of fraud.
The charges against Skrine include deposit account fraud, identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud, theft by taking and criminal attempt to commit theft. He is also wanted in Canada for a separate $100,000 check fraud case and had previously been released on bail with a GPS monitor, which he removed before fleeing to the U.S.
Skrine, 36, was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns in 2011 and has played 11 seasons in the NFL for teams including the Browns, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans.