NFL and NBA Athletes Among Victims of Sports Fraud Scheme

A Louisiana couple is facing federal charges for allegedly running a multi-million dollar fraud scheme that targeted athletes poised to enter the NBA and NFL. Albert Paul Weber, 42, of Harvey, Louisiana, and Cyntrelle Lash, 39, of New Orleans, were indicted on April 24, 2026, accused of stealing identities and securing fraudulent loans, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana.

The indictment alleges that Weber and Lash defrauded investors out of more than $3.5 million over nearly a decade by posing as professional athletes, their family members, and associates. They targeted athletes on the cusp of being drafted into the NBA and NFL, who were expected to sign lucrative contracts.

Scheme Involved Fake Identities and Bogus Loans

Prosecutors claim the pair created fake email addresses, driver’s licenses, and W-2 forms to convince lenders they were dealing directly with the athletes. Once the loans were approved, the funds were allegedly laundered through a company owned by Lash. The scheme reportedly began as early as 2016.

Among the athletes allegedly impersonated were Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward and LSU alum Leonard Fournette, according to reporting from NOLA.com. The indictment details instances where Weber and Lash impersonated Basketball Player 1 and his father using fabricated documentation in 2021.

Previous Arrest and Continued Fraud

The alleged scheme first came to light in May 2025, when Weber and Lash were arrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for using fake identification to sign notarized loan documents in an athlete’s name. They were released on bond, but prosecutors allege Weber continued the fraud after his release, soliciting money from basketball players for overseas trips that never materialized.

According to court documents, when confronted by the victims, Weber allegedly threatened them, demanded more money, and warned them against speaking to others about the scheme.

Charges Filed Against the Couple

Weber and Lash are each charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. They also face six counts of aggravated identity theft. Weber faces two additional charges of interstate communication of a threat.

Annalisa Miron, a federal public defender assigned to the case, declined to comment as she is still reviewing the charges.

Separate Fraud Case Involving Posing as Adult Film Star

This case is separate from another recent fraud involving athletes, where Kwamaine Jerell Ford, 34, of Buford, Georgia, was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, computer fraud, aggravated identity theft, and sex trafficking. Ford allegedly posed as a female adult film star in a phishing scam targeting NFL and NBA players, beginning as early as November 2020 while incarcerated. The NFL Players Association alerted certified agents to the potential targeting of their athletes.

Prosecutors stated that Ford had previously been convicted of similar phishing schemes in 2019, resulting in nearly $325,000 in stolen funds. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg noted that Ford allegedly continued the fraudulent activity even while serving time for previous offenses, and expanded the scheme to include sex trafficking.

The Weber and Lash case highlights the ongoing vulnerability of athletes to financial fraud, particularly as they navigate the complexities of entering professional sports. Authorities continue to investigate and prosecute individuals attempting to exploit athletes for financial gain.