A man impersonating an NFL player has been arrested on felony
fraud after intimidating a victim into giving him $2,500 to allegedly purchase toys for children, as reported by the Washington Post.
The Fort Washington man, S.A.P., 33, was arrested on the afternoon of September 23.
J.P., the police spokesperson, said that S.A.P. told a woman that the $2,500 she gave him would go toward purchasing hula hoops, or similar items, for neighborhood children.
The victim, 28, met S.A.P. over Facebook – a social networking site – in June. He suggested to the woman that he was somehow affiliated with an NFL celebrity.
The two agreed to get together shortly thereafter. The met at different locations, once meeting at a club in the District.
During this time, S.A.P. told the victim that he was a specific Eagles backup quarterback, V.Y.
J.P. said that S.A.P. was able to convince the victim that he was V.Y. as "he's 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, so he's got that look. And apparently he's got a swagger about him. . . . He was charming, well spoken."
At another meeting S.A.P. took it a step further, he asked the victim to give him a donation. This caused the victim to grow suspicious. But, along with her suspicions, the victim also "began to feel intimidated" and decided to "just gave him the money."
A warrant for felony fraud was issued from District.
Prince George police joined the investigation once media reported that it was V.Y. being impersonated.
J.P., as well as other law enforcement officers, met with NFL officials and the security chief for the NFL Players Association. Commanders "deemed it to be something we needed to look into" as the suspect was a resident of the county.
Detectives have since searched S.A.P.'s home in Fort Washington. They are also looking into other allegations of fraud that he is involved with.
S.A.P. was interviewed by both Prince George and District detectives on September 23.
S.A.P. is about the same height and weight as V.Y. – 6'5" and 230 pounds – per the information available on the Eagle's website.
V.Y.'s publicist, Denise White, said that her client is "thrilled" that police have made an arrest as this was "the last thing he needed."
T.Y. had also tweeted – another social networking tool used to reach fans quickly – a warning when he learned what was happening: "To the my fans and the media, please be aware that there is man in the DC area that has been impersonating me."
More than seven people have contacted White's office since May, alleging that they had suspicions that someone calling himself V.Y., and asking for donations, was an impostor.
White reported the incidents to NFL Player Association Security.
At this time S.A.P. has only been charged in a single case.
Impersonating a celebrity for illicit gains is considered fraud. Whatever crime you have been accused of, it would be to your benefit to contact a criminal defense attorney for help.
