ATLANTA, GA - A Georgia man will serve 12 years in prison after being convicted of scamming former NBA star Dwight Howard out of $7 million. The man, whose name has not been publicly released, persuaded Howard to invest in what he claimed was a lucrative opportunity to acquire a stake in the Atlanta Dream, a WNBA team.
According to court documents, the man presented Howard with fabricated financial projections and promised significant returns on his investment. Howard, believing the opportunity to be legitimate, transferred $7 million to the man. However, instead of investing the money as promised, the man allegedly used it for personal expenses, including luxury cars and real estate.
The scam was eventually uncovered, and the man was arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating the man's elaborate scheme and his misuse of Howard's funds. The jury found him guilty on all counts.
In addition to the prison sentence, the man was ordered to pay restitution to Howard for the full amount of the stolen funds. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of professional athletes to financial scams and the importance of thorough due diligence when making investment decisions. Authorities recommend that athletes seek independent financial advice from reputable professionals before committing to any investment opportunity. Dwight Howard has not released an official statement.
Georgia Man Sentenced for $7M Scam Targeting NBA Star
A Georgia man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding former NBA player Dwight Howard out of $7 million. The man convinced Howard to invest in a fake deal involving the Atlanta Dream WNBA team. Prosecutors said the man used the money for personal expenses instead of legitimate investments. The case highlights the risks professional athletes face from financial scams.