The criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta details how disguises and fraudulent documents were used across multiple loan transactions, with both defendants scheduled to enter guilty pleas on April 27.
Luther Davis, a former University of Alabama defensive tackle, and his co-conspirator CJ Evins are accused of defrauding lenders of nearly $20 million by impersonating NFL players on video calls. Federal prosecutors say Davis used makeup, wigs, and fake driver’s licenses bearing the athletes’ photos to secure at least 13 fraudulent loans between early 2024 and July 2026, with proceeds used to purchase real estate, jewelry, and cars.
How the Scheme Worked
In early 2024, Davis put on makeup and a wig, got on a video call from a suburban Atlanta hotel, and finalized a $4 million loan by posing as one of the athletes. Over the following months, prosecutors say Davis repeated the method in March and July 2026, using different disguises—once wearing a do-rag-style head covering—to impersonate two additional NFL players and secure millions more in fraudulent loans.
To execute the fraud, prosecutors say Davis used fake driver’s licenses bearing photos of the targeted players obtained from publicly available online sources. The complaint alleges that none of the three NFL players—identified only by initials in court documents—had authorized Davis and Evins to obtain loans in their names.
Scale of the Fraud
The scheme netted nearly $20 million from at least 13 fraudulent loans. Prosecutors say Davis and Evins used the proceeds to purchase real estate, jewelry, and cars.
Charges and Legal Status
Both Davis and Evins are charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Both pleaded not guilty in March 2026, but according to court filings, they are scheduled to return to court on April 27 to enter guilty pleas.
Benjamin Alper, Evins’ attorney, confirmed his client is scheduled to plead guilty but declined to comment further. Luther Davis’ attorney, Gabe Banks, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Davis was a national champion with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in 2010. Both face charges stemming from a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta.