Darden Convicted of $8M Fraud Against NBA Stars

Calvin Darden Jr., a Georgia businessman, was convicted of defrauding former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of a combined $8 million after a trial in Manhattan federal court. Darden was found guilty on multiple counts, including fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Howard testified that he was deceived into investing $7 million in what he believed was a purchase of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, while Parsons was tricked into a $1 million investment for developing NBA player James Wiseman's career. Darden, who had a history of fraudulent activities, used Howard's funds for personal luxury purchases. The jury's decision came eight years after Darden's previous prison sentence for fraud related to a failed bid to buy Maxim magazine. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 11 to 14 years for Darden, who will be sentenced early next year.