⏱ 2 min read
Kerr Kriisa, a 25-year-old former college basketball player, allegedly carried out a scheme to obtain nearly $2.2 million from multiple victims in Monongalia County, West Virginia, and elsewhere, using false representations, fabricated identities, and deceptive communications from 2022 through June 2, 2026. Kriisa, who played basketball for several universities, including the University of Arizona and West Virginia University, posed as various individuals and falsely claimed he and his family were in danger or needed urgent financial support. The scheme involved repeated payments from two victims, with Kriisa directing one victim to send money to the other under false pretenses.
The indictment alleges that Kriisa sent numerous emails and text messages as part of the scheme, including five specific wire transmissions tied to the charged counts. In April 2025, Kriisa signed a written agreement promising to repay one victim $100,000 by February 2026, which prosecutors say was also fraudulent. The government is seeking forfeiture of any proceeds traceable to the alleged offenses, including a money judgment of approximately $2.2 million.
U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced the charges, stating that financial fraud schemes erode trust and cause real harm to victims who believed they were helping someone in need. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation handling the investigation.
Kriisa will appear in federal court to face the five counts of wire fraud. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: West Virginia
- Location: WV
- Source: DOJ Press Release
