PLANTATION, FL – A former Merrill Lynch financial advisor is accused of stealing millions from former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones, and authorities say he had help laundering the funds from a woman Jones had never even met.
According to Fort Lauderdale police, Isaiah Williams — who served as Jones’ financial advisor between January 2022 and March 2024 — is accused of making 133 unauthorized wire transfers totaling $1.58 million from Jones’ personal account to pay off two American Express credit cards.
But the alleged crimes go far beyond financial mismanagement.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded With Stolen NFL Earnings
Court documents say Williams used the funds to fuel a luxury lifestyle, including:
- First-class flights
- Strip club tabs and nightclub outings
- Hotel stays with multiple women
- Duty-free shopping in Mexico
- Designer clothing and jewelry
- Legal expenses and child support payments
He also allegedly made repeated car rentals and personal purchases, all funded from Jones’ bank account — without his knowledge or permission.
Money Laundering Through an Unfamiliar Face
In addition to direct theft, another $1.03 million was allegedly laundered through Octavia Monique Graham, 52, of Dallas, Georgia, whom Jones said he does not know.
Investigators revealed:
- 16 handwritten checks totaling $435,000 were deposited from Graham’s account into Williams’
- 88 Zelle transfers amounting to $184,000 also flowed from Graham to Williams
In total, Jones’ losses were approximately $2.58 million, police say. He is pressing charges against both parties.
Charges Filed, One Arrested — One Still Wanted
Graham surrendered to authorities on Monday and appeared in Broward County court on Friday, where her bond was set at $75,000. She faces:
- 2 counts of money laundering
- 1 count of first-degree grand theft
She was ordered not to contact Jones or Williams and remains in custody at Paul Rein Detention Facility until her arraignment on July 7 at 9 a.m.
As of now, Williams has not been arrested, though prosecutors say he is the main actor in the fraud.
Merrill Lynch and FINRA Records Raise Questions
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Williams has been barred from the securities industry after resigning from Merrill Lynch in December 2024 due to:
- Allegations of misappropriation
- Unsuitable asset allocation
- Misrepresentations
- Improper outside business activity
A separate investor complaint filed in December mirrors the allegations Jones now brings forward.
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Attorneys Respond: “A Troubling Pattern”
Jones’ attorneys Chase Carlson (Carlson Law) and Jeff Sonn (Sonn Law Group) issued a joint statement Friday:
“This is yet another troubling example of a professional athlete being exploited by a wealth management firm he trusted. In this case, the wrongdoer was a Vice President at one of the world’s largest financial institutions — Bank of America’s investment management division, Merrill Lynch. We have filed a lawsuit to hold Merrill Lynch accountable and are working to recover all damages our client has suffered.”
What do you think?
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