Buster Skrine was arrested by Canadian police on Wednesday for allegedly defrauding banks for potentially more than $100,000.
The former NFL cornerback had a career spanning between 2011 and 2021 and is suspected by Durham Regional Police Service of taking money from banks in Durham County between September 2022 and the present day.
Why Was Buster Skrine Arrested?
The arrest was made at Toronto Person International Airport on Wednesday after Skrine attempted to fly to the United States. He has been charged with a total of 15 offenses, four of which are for fraud committed over $5,000. Durham Regional Police worked with Homeland Security as well as U.S. Customs to make the arrest. It is likely Skrine has committed fraudulent activity across Canada.
The statement from Durham County Police reads, “A 34-year-old male from Georgia is facing several fraud-related charges totaling more than $100,000.” Further into the statement, they said, “Investigators became aware of a male that was attending numerous financial institutions where he would identify himself as a retired NFL player.” Skrine has also been held for a bail hearing.
Sgt Joanne Bortoluss from Durham County Police went into further detail when speaking to CP24, telling them, “He did use his position as a former NFL Player to the banks as he was depositing the checks.
“The investigators are still going through the evidence they have. If the evidence leads to grounds for additional charges, then additional charges would be laid. However, that part of the investigation is still ongoing.”
Sgt Bortoluss also told CP24 that ”there is reason to believe the same male has been committing similar offenses across Canada.” Additionally, he stated that details of their investigation have also been passed to the Toronto Police Service and the Regina Police Service, and their investigations are “still ongoing.”
It is alleged by investigators that Skrine would open new bank accounts with fake checks and would walk off with the funds before the check had correctly cleared. Police are aware of four banks and credit unions that have been victims of the fraudulent activity. It is suspected the amount racks up to more than $100,000.
Who Is Buster Skrine?
Darryl Frank “Buster” Skrine is a former NFL defensive back who played for five teams over 11 seasons. The Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Chattanooga.
After four years with the Browns, Skrine signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Jets, where he was regularly the third corner on the roster. In 2019, he would go on to sign a $16.6 million contract with the Chicago Bears, but they released him two years later.
He went on to try his luck with the San Francisco 49ers but was released less than two weeks after signing. Skrine would have better luck with the Titans, where he was able to make the field in Week 14 of 2021, resulting in an interception from Trevor Lawrence. Skrine would re-sign with the Titans at the end of the year but announced his retirement before the 2022 season began.
Over his career, Skrine played in 158 games and recorded 590 total tackles, 88 pass deflections, and 10 interceptions