Merrill Lynch Settles Fraud Lawsuit, Pays Ex-Pro Bowler Reshad Jones $9.5M
Former Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones has reached a $9.5 million settlement with Merrill Lynch following allegations of fraud involving a former financial adviser. The settlement was finalized in August 2025, but details emerged only recently.
Fraudulent Activities Uncovered
The case centers around Isaiah Williams, a former financial adviser at Merrill Lynch, who is accused of stealing $2.59 million from Jones. According to a June 25 arrest report, Williams exploited his position to access Jones’ financial accounts and unlawfully transfer funds.
- Amount Stolen: $2.59 million
- Number of Transactions: 133
- Initial Claim Amount: $16 million
The Mechanism of Theft
Investigators found that Williams executed 133 transactions, siphoning off $1.56 million directly from Jones’ accounts. In addition, he allegedly laundered another $1.03 million through bank transfers and cash apps in coordination with Octivia Monique Graham, a Georgia-based woman whom Jones claims he has never met.
In total, court documents indicate that Williams misappropriated funds for various personal expenditures, including:
- Airline tickets
- Hotels
- Strip clubs
- Luxury cars
- Jewelry
- Duty-free shopping in Mexico
Legal Consequences for the Adviser
The Palm Beach County sheriff’s office has charged Williams with four counts, including first-degree organized fraud and grand theft. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison. Currently, he is out on a $1 million bond while awaiting trial.
Background on Reshad Jones
Reshad Jones was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and played his entire ten-year career with the team. Over 128 games, he started 113 and accumulated more than $56 million in earnings, according to Over the Cap.
Jones’ legal representation, Chase Carlson and Jeff Sonn, referred to the situation as “another troubling example of a professional athlete being exploited,” highlighting the vulnerability of athletes to financial mismanagement.
Merrill Lynch has not publicly commented on the settlement or the allegations against their former adviser.
