Former NFL cornerback Darryl “Buster” Skrine has been arrested in Roswell, Georgia, in connection with an extensive fraud scheme targeting women he met online, according to police.
Roswell Police took Skrine into custody on 18 charges, including identity fraud, theft by taking, and deposit account fraud. Authorities say the 35-year-old ex-athlete scammed multiple women out of roughly $300,000 after building romantic relationships and faking financial hardships.
“He promised he would pay them back using funds from his NFL annuity,” said Roswell Police. “Instead, he used the money for a lavish lifestyle, Airbnbs, gift cards, and travel.”
Skrine was already facing charges in Canada for allegedly defrauding banks of over $100,000. After receiving bond in April 2024 and being placed on GPS monitoring, officials say he cut off the device and fled back to the U.S.
Police began investigating Skrine again in July after a local woman reported financial exploitation. That tip led them to three known victims in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York.
Skrine was arrested on Wednesday after detectives executed a search warrant at his Roswell home.
Authorities are coordinating with Canadian officials to ensure Skrine is held accountable across borders.
Drafted in 2011 by the Cleveland Browns, Skrine played 11 NFL seasons with the Browns, Jets, Bears, 49ers, and Titans before retiring in 2021. He grew up in metro Atlanta and played high school football at Etowah High in Woodstock.
