Man Previously Victimized by Suspect in Super Bowl Reporter's Case Speaks Out: 'Devastated My Life'

A man who was victimized by Danette Colbert — the woman accused of fraud following the death of Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano — has spoken out about his experience with the suspect.

David Butler, 52, told NBC News, that after sharing a few drinks with the woman in New Orleans’ French Quarter, he began to feel disoriented.

“She ushered me into some kind of black Suburban that was literally right there, and that’s the last thing I remember that night,” he said, adding that when he woke up, he found his phone and wallet were gone.

Butler told the outlet that his credit cards were charged thousands of dollars and more than $80,000 he had put in a cryptocurrency account was gone, noting, “The ordeal devastated my life.”

Colbert was convicted in October 2024 of computer fraud, theft and illegal transmission of monetary funds relating to Butler’s claims, per NBC News. At the time, the judge suspended a combined sentence, which would have had Colbert spend years behind bars. Instead the judge ordered Colbert to pay restitution and remain on probation for five years, according to court documents obtained by NBC News.

The Kenner Police Department said it is investigating the possibility that Colbert drugged Manzano — a sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City who was found dead inside his hotel room in Kenner, La. on Feb. 5 — after security footage showed the pair in the French Quarter and in his hotel prior to his death.

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Police said toxicology test results could take several weeks before results are in, and have been continuing their investigation into Manzano’s death in the meantime in coordination with Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, per WVUE-TV.

Authorities say Colbert is accused of using Manzano’s credit cards at stores in New Orleans. She was arrested and charged with fraud and other financial crimes. It is not immediately clear whether she has retained an attorney.

Conley said at a Friday, Feb. 7, press conference that when Manzano’s body was found, his credit card and phone were missing. When police searched Colbert’s home, they allegedly found Manzano’s phone and credit card. The chief says Colbert was known by police in New Orleans.

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Conley alleged, “[Colbert] was found quite frequently in the French Quarter, and she’s known for these fraud schemes.”

“She plays a confidence game, she’s definitely a career criminal,” he alleged.

Authorities have not yet determined Manzano’s cause of death. He worked for Telemundo KC and Tico Sports from Kansas City, and was in Louisiana to cover Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, Telemundo Kansas City says in a statement. He was the father of a toddler daughter.

“Adan was an exceptional professional and a rising star whose dedication and talent reflected excellence in his work,” the news station said. “We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community.”