Former NFL cornerback Buster Skrine is facing additional charges after allegedly disconnecting his ankle monitor and failing to appear in court in Canada.
Former NFL cornerback Buster Skrine is facing further legal troubles after allegedly removing his ankle monitor and failing to attend a court hearing in Canada. Skrine was initially arrested in 2023 on 15 bank fraud charges, accused of defrauding banks by opening accounts with fraudulent checks and withdrawing money before they cleared.
According to the Daily Hive, Skrine was granted bail on April 9, under the condition that he wear a GPS ankle monitor. However, Skrine allegedly disconnected the device and missed a scheduled court appearance on Monday, May 8.
As a result, Skrine is now facing additional charges of failure to appear in court and failure to comply with a release order. He was already facing 15 bank fraud charges, with Canadian police accusing him of defrauding banks of over $100,000.
Skrine allegedly told banks that he was a "former NFL player" to gain access to accounts. Police believe that he had been carrying out this scheme for over nine months before his arrest in 2023.
The specific charges against Skrine include four counts of fraud over $5,000, seven counts of making false statements to produce money, three counts of possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000, and one count of possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000.
Skrine spent 11 seasons in the NFL, earning over $40 million during his career. He played for various teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers.
During his NFL career, Skrine recorded 235 combined tackles, six interceptions, and 47 passes defended in 64 games with the Browns. He later had three interceptions and 224 tackles in 59 games with the Jets.
Following his stint with the Jets, Skrine spent two seasons with the Bears before joining the Titans and 49ers in 2021. He retired after the 2021 season.
Skrine's alleged actions have raised concerns about his current whereabouts. Canadian police are actively searching for him, and the investigation is ongoing. It remains to be seen if Skrine will return to face the charges against him or if he will attempt to evade authorities further.
