Springfield judge sentences Chicago-area man for using the dark web to fund rapper lifestyle

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Chicago-area man was sentenced in Springfield federal court for his role in a nationwide fraud conspiracy.

According to the Ministry of Justice, he is 32 years old Antonio M. Strong He, along with five others from Orland Park, Illinois, allegedly conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals using individuals’ unauthorized and stolen payment card account information.

Chicago rapper “G Herbo” among six others charged in federal fraud case in Springfield

Strong used various fictitious names and aliases, issued fake driver’s licenses in the names of both fictitious and real persons, used email accounts in the names of fictitious and real businesses, and falsely declared that he was from “Universal Music”, “Sony Music”. ” “Epic Music” and other real and fictitious companies.

Strong pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy and four counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced Tuesday to 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release, ordered to forfeit $2,159,874 and pay restitution of $2,159,873.

Other defendants include rapper Herbert Wright III (known as G Herbo), Demario Sorrells, Joseph Williams, Steven Hayes, Jr. and Terrance Bender.

• Sorrells pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On Friday, he was given three years probation, $106,000 in restitution and a $106,000 lien.

• Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making false statements to a federal official and was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture in the amount of $139,968.

• Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $155,392 in restitution and $102,116 in penalties.

• Terrence Bender is scheduled to plead guilty in November.

• Steven Hayes Jr.’s trial continues.

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