Former Miami Dolphins standout Reshad Jones has become the latest professional athlete to fall victim to financial exploitation, with authorities alleging he was scammed out of nearly $2.6 million in a complex fraud and money laundering scheme.
According to police records and court filings, Jones’ former financial advisor, Isaiah Williams, and an associate, Octavia Graham, are accused of orchestrating a series of unauthorized wire transfers and check payments that siphoned money directly from the former NFL player’s accounts over a period of several years.
Investigators say that between January 2022 and March 2024, Williams used his privileged access to Jones’ personal banking information to carry out 133 wire transfers totaling approximately $1.58 million.
The money was allegedly spent on first-class flights, luxury hotel stays, strip clubs, car rentals, clothing, jewelry, legal fees, child support, and even shopping sprees in Mexico.
Court documents also reveal that Jones lost an additional $1.03 million between October 2019 and September 2021, during which time Graham allegedly played a key role in laundering the stolen funds.
Authorities claim Graham funneled $435,000 to Williams through 16 handwritten checks, and made 88 Zelle transfers totaling another $184,000.
Charges filed as athlete seeks legal restitution
Graham, 49, turned herself in to police earlier this week and now faces two counts of money laundering and one count of first-degree grand theft. She appeared before a judge on Friday, where her bond was set at $75,000.
The court also barred her from contacting either Jones or Williams. Her formal arraignment is scheduled for July 7. Williams, on the other hand, has not yet been arrested.
Jones, now 36, played his entire 11-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins.
A fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and 2017, and was widely recognized as one of the most dynamic safeties in the league during his prime.
His 21 career interceptions, 776 tackles, and four defensive touchdowns underscore his impact on the field.
Jones’ legal team issued a pointed statement regarding the alleged theft: “This is yet another troubling example of a professional athlete being exploited by a wealth management firm he trusted,” the statement read.
“In this case, the wrongdoer was a Vice President at one of the world’s largest financial institutions – Bank of America’s investment management division, Merrill Lynch.
“We have filed a lawsuit to hold Merrill Lynch accountable and are working to recover all damages our client has suffered.”
Despite earning approximately $58 million over his NFL career, with just over $2 million in his final season, the alleged theft represents a significant loss.
The lawsuit now filed against Merrill Lynch, where Williams was employed, aims to address potential institutional failures that may have enabled the fraudulent behavior.
This case adds to the growing list of financial scandals involving high-profile athletes and serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerability even elite professionals face when it comes to wealth management.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Jones is seeking not just restitution, but accountability from those entrusted with his financial security.
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