Former professional football player Darryl "Buster" Skrine has been apprehended in Roswell, facing multiple charges stemming from what police are calling an extensive financial fraud operation. Skrine, known for his stint in the NFL, was arrested yesterday morning at a rented Airbnb property on Pine Grove Road, according to WSB-TV. The investigation into his activities began in July after a woman came forward with claims of financial exploitation at his hands.
Authorities allege that Skrine utilized online dating platforms to form connections with multiple women, using fabricated tales to explain his supposed financial straits and to obtain money from them. He allegedly promised to repay these women with money from his NFL annuity. Over time, at least three victims from Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York reported combined losses amounting to roughly $300,000. Skrine supposedly used this money to support a lifestyle that included Airbnb rentals, travel, and purchases of gift cards, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Skrine, who is originally from metro Atlanta and went to Etowah High School, saw his NFL career span over ten years with several teams, finally retiring from the Tennessee Titans in July 2022. He now faces 18 charges that include deposit account fraud, identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud, theft by taking, and a criminal attempt to commit theft.
Further complicating matters, Skrine is also a wanted fugitive in Canada, where he is implicated in another scheme involving over $100,000 in check fraud. Skrine had been arrested in August 2023 and subsequently released on bail in April 2024 under the condition of GPS monitoring. However, he evidently removed the monitoring device to and fled back to the United States, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. Roswell police are now coordinating with Canadian authorities to ensure that Skrine faces his charges in both countries. As the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials are urging potential victims to come forward and contact Detective Fields at 770-640-4455 or to submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers Atlanta.
