Chicago rapper G Herbo, 25, faces federal charges stemming from Massachusetts for his part in an elaborate fraud scheme.
According to the Chicago Tribune, federal prosecutors accused the drill rapper, his music promoter, and other members of his entourage of aggressively using stolen identities to charge over a million dollars’ worth of luxury items starting in 2016. In 2017, the group used a stolen credit card to book a Jamaica villa for a week.
The 14-count indictment cites Herbo, legally known as Herbert Wright, III, and eight other defendants, claiming they purchased private jet charters, exotic car rentals, and designer puppies. Apparently, the group “defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by possessing, using, and transferring unauthorized and stolen payment and card account information” to “obtain valuable goods and services.”
The indictment charges each defendant with conspiracy to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The indictment alleges that the group used stolen credit card information and personal identities they received from the “dark web” or through other means. From there, the defendants shared the information at some points with merchants while they were in the process of charging goods or services.
According to Pitchfork, Antonio “T-Glo” Strong has been identified in court documents as the ringleader. He is known as a “promoter and manager of rappers, particularly those in the Chicago area,” court documents stated. Also listed in the case are South Side rapper Joseph “Joe Rodeo” Williams; and alleged co-conspirators Steven Hayes Jr., Demario Sorrells, and Terrence Bender, all of Chicago.
Strong was previously arrested by federal agents in Chicago on September 25. A judge ordered him to be transported to Massachusetts. The judge wrote that he was “alleged to be the ringleader of a $1.5 million fraud,” which involved the use of “aliases and other people’s identities.”
“These are red flags for the opportunity to flee,” Dow said. “(Strong) says that he would not do that, and his parents are willing to take him in. But who is to say that in the middle of the night, when the gravity of the charges sinks in, and maybe the weight of the evidence, he will not decide to flee?”
It is unclear if Herbo will make arrangements to turn himself into authorities. His attorney James Lawson did not comment when contacted by the Chicago Tribune.
Earlier this week was a career-high for G Herbo. He was named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 musicians list. Now he will have a tough legal battle.
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