Calvin Darden Jr. Sentenced to 12 Years for Defrauding NBA Stars

Calvin Darden Jr., a Georgia businessman, was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for defrauding former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of approximately $8 million. Darden misled Howard into believing he was investing $7 million in the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, while also conned Parsons into a $1 million loan purportedly to develop NBA prospect James Wiseman, who was never involved. A Manhattan federal court ordered Darden to forfeit $8 million and several luxury items acquired through his fraudulent activities, including a $3.7 million mansion and high-end cars. Prosecutors described Darden as a lifelong fraudster with a history of similar scams, including impersonating his father in past schemes. While Darden's attorneys sought a lesser sentence due to health issues and family responsibilities, the judge emphasized the magnitude of the theft warranted a significant prison term. Darden was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering charges in October.