LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — Former University of Kentucky basketball player Kerr Kriisa has been charged in a federal wire fraud case alleging he defrauded two victims out of more than $2.2 million over a period spanning from 2022 through early 2026.
A federal indictment filed in the Northern District of West Virginia alleges Kriisa carried out a years-long scheme by making false claims that his family was in danger, his mother needed cancer treatment and the family farm needed financial help. Prosecutors also allege he posed as fictional and real third parties, including a person identified as "Irene," to pressure victims into sending money.
The indictment further alleges Kriisa directed one victim to send money to another victim while falsely claiming the second person was simply helping transfer funds to him. He is also accused of falsely promising to repay one victim $100,000.
Kriisa was arrested by FBI agents July 3 and is expected to be extradited to West Virginia. He is charged with five counts of wire fraud, and prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of at least $2.2 million they allege was obtained through the scheme.
Kriisa played one season at Kentucky after transferring from West Virginia before finishing his college career at Cincinnati. He had recently been announced as a member of La Familia, Kentucky's alumni team in The Basketball Tournament, but the team later announced he will no longer participate.
The allegations remain unproven, and Kriisa is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
You can view the indictment here.
