Darden Jr. was found guilty of scamming former NBA player Dwight Howard and former forward Chandler Parsons in a deceptive investment scheme. A New York jury convicted Darden of deceiving Howard out of $7 million and Parsons out of $1 million in different transactions related to the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and an NBA player development project.
Howard’s Painful Testimony
Dwight Howard, who is an eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He stated that Darden deceived him into thinking he was investing in buying the Atlanta Dream. In actuality, a team was purchased in 2021 by a group headed by Renee Montgomery. In his testimony, Howard expressed his annoyance, claiming that his $7 million investment resulted in nothing but “a slap in the face.”
Parsons and Wiseman Scheme Uncovered
Darden’s dishonesty didn’t end with Howard. He also persuaded Chandler Parsons to contribute $1 million in what he said was a fund for developing NBA player James Wiseman. Parsons. Who previously played for the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, walked away empty-handed while Darden kept the money.
Lavish Spending and Legal Troubles
Darden used his illegal profits to buy luxury cars, a piano, a $3.7 million home, watches, and artwork as part of his excessive spending. In 2016, Darden was convicted for fraud but chose to go to trial instead of taking plea deals this time. Furthermore, the prosecution anticipates he will receive a sentence. Which will be of 11 to 14 years in prison at his sentencing next year.
Justice for Howard and Parsons
Authorities intend to confiscate Darden’s possessions, such as his residence in Atlanta, artwork, and high-end items. In order to reclaim the embezzled money. Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons can now look forward. To justice being served as Darden deals with the repercussions of his deceitful behavior.
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