A former Alabama Crimson Tide player allegedly dressed up in wigs and wore makeup to impersonate multiple NFL players as part of a scheme to obtain fraudulent loans.
Luther Davis, who played for Alabama from 2007-2010, is expected to plead guilty in a $20 million fraud case, via Daniel Kaplan of The Guardian. Davis and an accomplice allegedly opened bank accounts linked to fake companies purportedly established by the NFL player they were impersonating. Davis then obtained fake IDs, financial statements, and other personal documents in the names of the players. Davis then appeared on virtual loan closings in disguise, often wearing wigs to impersonate the player.
While Davis obtained 13 loans, only three victims were identified. He allegedly obtained a $4.025 million loan in the name of Browns tight end David Njoku, a $4.35 million loan in the name of Packers defensive back Xavier McKinney, and a $3.3 million loan in the name of Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. None of the players are connected to the scheme and simply had their identities stolen.
Davis has been charged with aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Davis was part of Nick Saban’s first Alabama recruiting class and played in all 14 games of the team’s 2009 championship season. After his college career ended, he was accused of providing money and benefits to college football players on behalf of agents, a violation of NCAA rules.
