A Georgia businessman, Calvin Darden Jr., was sentenced on Thursday to more than 12 years in federal prison for defrauding former NBA players Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of millions of dollars.
A Manhattan jury convicted Darden in October of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme where he deceived Howard into sending $7 million, purportedly to invest in purchasing the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
Darden also defrauded Parsons out of $1 million, claiming the funds were for a development project involving NBA prospect James Wiseman.
The court ordered Darden to forfeit $8 million, along with several luxury items.
He has a previous conviction related to impersonation in an unsuccessful attempt to purchase Maxim magazine.
Darden, aged 50, faced charges including wire fraud and identity theft.
The sentencing took place in New York where federal prosecutors presented evidence that Darden exploited personal relationships and financial networks.
Howard, formerly a dominant figure in the NBA, and Parsons reported substantial financial losses due to Darden’s fraudulent activities.
The fraudulent investment schemes involved numerous transactions across state lines, making it a federal case.
Authorities highlighted Darden’s pattern of deception and manipulation in financial dealings.
Darden’s defense claimed his actions were misinterpreted, but the jury found him guilty.
