Buster Skrine arrested for alleged financial fraud scheme

Ex-Jets defensive back Darryl “Buster” Skrine was arrested by authorities in Georgia on Wednesday on 18 counts in an alleged financial fraud scheme — over one year after he became a wanted fugitive in Canada in a separate fraud case.

The 36-year-old was booked on Wednesday and charged with deposit account fraud, identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud, theft by taking and criminal attempt to commit theft, according to Roswell, Ga. police.

Police allege that Skrine targeted three women — located in Wisconsin, North Carolina and New York — through dating apps and asked for money after saying he was having money issues, promising to repay them with his NFL annuity.

The former NFLer then allegedly used this money, which police estimated to total around $300,000, to “support his lavish lifestyle, including financing Airbnbs, travel, and gift cards.” Roswell police also believe there are more victims of Skrine’s alleged scheme.

Skrine has been wanted by police in Canada since May 2024 after he was first arrested by Durham Regional Police Service at Pearson International Airport in Toronto the year prior for allegedly opening bank accounts with fraudulent checks and withdrawing $100,000.

Durham police said Skrine was transferred to a Saskatchewan correctional center last April, and he was given bail under the condition that he wear a GPS monitor. However, in May, he failed to show up for a court date, and his GPS went offline.

Roswell police said Wednesday that they are working with Canadian authorities “to ensure Skrine answers for all of his charges in both countries.”

Skrine, a fifth-round pick of the Browns in 2011, signed with the Jets before the 2015 season and spent four years in New York, collecting three interceptions and 30 passes defended. He made an estimated $40 million during his 12-year NFL career.

He last played in the NFL with the Titans in 2021.