Former Kentucky basketball player Kerr Kriisa has been indicted in connection with an alleged $2.2 million fraud scheme, the Department of Justice announced.
Kriisa is accused of defrauding multiple victims through false representations, fabricated identities, and deceptive communications. The indictment states that the scheme began in 2022 when Kriisa allegedly lied to two victims, claiming his mother needed cancer treatment and that his family farm required financial assistance.
Among the alleged deceptions detailed in the indictment, Kriisa reportedly told one victim in November 2022 that he would sell his organs to repay a debt. He also allegedly posed as a woman named Irene, signing a fraudulent promise to repay a victim $100,000 by February.
Authorities allege that Kriisa directed victims to send money to each other under false pretenses as part of the scheme. The Department of Justice stated that financial fraud erodes trust and causes significant harm to victims who believe they are assisting someone in need.
Kriisa, a 6-foot-3 guard, has a history with multiple college basketball programs, including Kentucky, Arizona, West Virginia, and Cincinnati. Last season, he played for Cincinnati, averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 assists per game before a separated shoulder cut his season short.
Kriisa was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky. The government is seeking forfeiture of proceeds traceable to the alleged offenses, amounting to approximately $2.2 million.
The indictment comes shortly before Kriisa was scheduled to participate in The Basketball Tournament with La Familia, Kentucky's alumni team. He has since been removed from the team's roster.