Calvin Darden Jr., a businessman from Georgia, was convicted on October 4, 2024, of defrauding former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of a total of $8 million.

Prosecutors revealed that Darden misappropriated over $6 million of Howard's investment on luxury items, including cars, watches, and a home down payment.

Howard testified that Darden misled him into believing his $7 million investment was for purchasing the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, which was actually acquired by a different group in 2021.

The jury in Manhattan federal court found Darden guilty on five counts, including fraud and money laundering, after a trial that highlighted his deceitful tactics.

Darden's attorney argued against the fraud claims, stating that Darden is needed for his family and disputing the prosecution's reliance on speculation.

Despite the conviction, Darden will remain free on bail until his sentencing, scheduled for January 27, 2025, with strict limitations on his internet usage.

Prosecutors intend to seize Darden's assets, which include his Atlanta home, luxury cars, and jewelry obtained through fraudulent activities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Meade urged for Darden's immediate detention, citing his history of multimillion-dollar frauds and the expected prison sentence of 11 to 14 years.

Darden rejected two plea deals and chose to go to trial, where he was found guilty on all charges.

This conviction adds to Darden's history of fraud, including a previous one-year prison sentence for impersonating his father in a failed purchase of Maxim magazine.

In a related case, Charles Briscoe, a former NBA agent, pled guilty to wire fraud for his involvement in the scheme, while another adviser faces trial next year.

Chandler Parsons was also defrauded of $1 million in a false investment tied to NBA player James Wiseman.