A retired NFL player, Darryl “Buster” Skrine, aged 36, was arrested in Roswell, Georgia, on a total of 18 charges linked to an alleged multi-state financial fraud operation. This incident took place on August 27, when Roswell Police executed search and arrest warrants at a residence on Pine Grove Road without any incidents during the operation.
Skrine, who played 11 seasons in the NFL for various teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears, is accused of orchestrating an intricate financial fraud scheme that specifically targeted women across the United States. The Roswell Police Department initiated their investigation in July 2023 after a victim reported being financially exploited by Skrine.
Investigators revealed that Skrine utilized online dating platforms to establish relationships with women. He allegedly fabricated stories claiming to be suffering from financial hardships to persuade victims to send him money. His promise to repay the victims through his NFL annuity was a ruse; instead, he diverted the funds to maintain a lavish lifestyle, which included expenses for travel, Airbnb rentals, and gift cards.
To date, three victims have been identified in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York, who combined reported financial losses amounting to approximately $300,000. Authorities suspect there may be additional victims and are actively continuing their investigation into Skrine’s activities.
Skrine Wanted in Canada for Breaching Bail in Fraud Case
In Georgia, Skrine is confronted with multiple charges, which include deposit account fraud, identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud, theft by taking, and criminal attempt to commit theft. In conjunction with these U.S. charges, he is also wanted in Canada by the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
The DRPS concluded an investigation in August 2023 into a cheque fraud scheme involving Skrine, which was valued at $100,000. Following this investigation, Skrine was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport. He was released on bail in April 2024, with the condition of being subject to GPS monitoring. However, Skrine subsequently removed the GPS device and fled the country, thus breaching his release conditions.
According to DRPS, Skrine failed to appear for his scheduled court date on May 6, 2024, and authorities reported that his GPS monitoring device has since gone offline. The Durham Regional Police are collaborating with Roswell Police to ensure that Skrine is held accountable for all charges across both jurisdictions.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of additional victims and further revelations regarding Skrine’s activities and fraudulent scheme.
