AZ Man Accused in Online Dating Scam Sentenced to 15.75 Years in Prison

PHOENIX - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a judge today sentenced Daylon Pierce to 15.75 years in prison for preying on women in an online dating scam. Pierce was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices.

“Daylon Pierce is a career criminal and a con man who deserves to be locked up,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “Unfortunately, online dating scams are becoming more common. Victims sign up hoping to find love and instead they’re left heartbroken with their life savings stolen. Our office will continue to work with the FBI to identify online dating scams and put those responsible behind bars.”

“Online dating scams can have devastating financial and emotional effects on victims,”said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael DeLeon. “This case demonstrates the FBI and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office are committed to investigating and prosecuting criminals who target these victims."

From February 2015 to November 2015, Daylon Pierce AKA Daylon Jung set up several profile pages on various dating websites including Match.com, PlentyOfFish.com, and Tinder.com. Pierce began romantic relationships with women he met through online dating websites and then convinced them to invest thousands of dollars in fraudulent investments.

"Pierce tricked his victims by pretending to be a wealthy businessman in order to gain access to their life savings," Attorney General Brnovich added. "Pierce then spent the victims' money in casinos, nightclubs, and strip clubs.”

One of the victims invested $240,000 including part of her 401(k) proceeds. Another victim took out more than $100,000 in loans and gave the money to Pierce as an investment. Pierce told victims he was a successful licensed stockbroker. There is no record of Pierce being a licensed stockbroker.

"Many victims develop additional debt and suffer substantial losses; to include their life savings," added FBI Special Agent in Charge DeLeon. "Contacting and notifying law enforcement is the only way to bring these convincing and relentless scammers to justice.”

A restitution hearing will be held at a later date. 

The Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

Assistant Attorney General Scott Blake prosecuted this case.