Reshad Jones, a former safety for the Miami Dolphins, reportedly became the target of a fraud, resulting in a loss of $2.58 million, as reported by Local 10 News. Isaiah Williams, previously employed as Jones’ financial advisor, allegedly exploited his authorized access to Jones’ personal banking information. With the purported assistance of Octavia Graham, aged 49, it’s alleged that he illicitly transferred substantial funds to settle his own credit card debts and sustain an extravagant way of life.
According to law enforcement sources, Williams is accused of appropriating roughly $1.58 million from Jones’ financial resources via 133 individual wire transactions spanning from January 2022 to March 2024. Court documents indicate that Williams purportedly channeled these funds toward procuring first-class air travel accommodations, upscale lodging, admittance to nightlife venues and adult entertainment establishments, vehicle rentals, apparel, valuable jewelry items, fulfillment of legal obligations, and remittances for child support. Additionally, he reportedly embarked on shopping expeditions within Mexico.
Jones, recognized for his two Pro Bowl selections and his tenure with the Dolphins, allegedly incurred an additional loss of $1.03 million spanning from October 2019 to September 2021. Law enforcement authorities suggest that Graham played a facilitative role in the unauthorized transfer of funds from Jones’ account. It’s alleged that Graham disbursed $435,000 to Williams through 16 manually drafted checks, coupled with an additional $184,000 transmitted via 88 Zelle payment transfers.
“This situation is yet another disturbing occurrence of a professional athlete being taken advantage of by a firm they entrusted with their financial wellbeing,” Jones’ legal representatives stated. “The wrongdoer in this instance was a Vice President at one of the world’s most significant financial institutions, namely Bank of America’s investment management branch, Merrill Lynch. We have initiated legal action to hold Merrill Lynch liable and are actively striving to recover all damages incurred by our client.”
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Graham surrendered herself to law enforcement earlier in the week and is now facing accusations of two counts of money laundering alongside one count of grand theft in the first degree. She made a court appearance on Friday where the presiding judge determined her bail to be $75,000 and mandated that she refrain from engaging in communication with either Jones or Williams. Her arraignment is slated for July 7. Williams, having been relieved of his duties at Merrill, remains at large.
“Whenever we become aware of potential misconduct, we swiftly conduct investigations, provide full cooperation with regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies, and collaborate with the client to recompense them for any detriment inflicted by an employee,” a spokesperson for Merrill communicated to CBS Sports. “Prioritizing clients and safeguarding client assets have remained fundamental values at Merrill since its establishment over a century ago.”
Considering Jones’ NFL earnings, the sum of the losses represents a notable financial setback, particularly in light of the fact that he earned slightly more than $2 million during his final season with the Dolphins, as noted by Spotrac. Jones amassed $58 million over the span of his 11-year career, throughout which he distinguished himself as one of the foremost defensive players on Miami’s roster.
Throughout his celebrated career, Jones totaled 776 tackles, 10.5 quarterback sacks, and 21 interceptions. Selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, he earned recognition with Pro Bowl selections in 2015 and 2017, leading the league in defensive touchdowns in both of those years. His pair of interception returns for touchdowns in 2015 stood as an NFL-best, and his two fumble return touchdowns topped the league in 2017.
