The Fort Collins bank-fraud investigation that snared three Colorado State University football players and four others could lead to many more arrests, the prosecutor said.
“It is a broad investigation,” Larimer County District Attorney Larry Abrahamson said Thursday. “There could be several more arrests. It will probably be ongoing for a while.”
Abrahamson’s office filed felony charges against CSU players Adakole Brian Ike Abata, Micah Lamar Crews and Robert Bruce Herbert on Wednesday.
The DA also charged former CSU football players Daniel Aaron Foster and Tramell V. McGill and two Fort Collins residents.
Five of the defendants will be advised of the charges today at 1:30 p.m. at the Larimer County Justice Center. McGill turned himself in to Yuma, Ariz., authorities and is awaiting extradition, said Linda Jensen, spokeswoman for the DA’s office.
Abata, Crews, Herbert, Foster and Calee Jo Chleboun have been released on $2,500 bond each.
Crews’ mother, Lydean, has said she was told that the case involves a larger three-state fraud ring. Abraham son wouldn’t confirm whether the investigation involves suspects in other states.
He said Fort Collins police began investigating the case in November when they received a tip from area banks about unusual activity.
The investigation led from one suspect to the next, he said. He didn’t give a tally of how much money was involved but said it was in the thousands of dollars.
“Kids get themselves involved in something that looks like quick money,” Abrahamson said.
He said his office will consider giving plea deals to some of the less- culpable defendants if they tell authorities all they know.
“It’s hard to say where this investigation will lead,” Abrahamson said.
He declined to say how many other agencies are involved.
A grand jury continues to review evidence in the case, he said.
CSU coach Sonny Lubick suspended the three current players indefinitely Wednesday.
Staff writer Kirk Mitchell can be reached at 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com.
