Rapper with ties to Atlanta indicted in nationwide fraud conspiracy

ATLANTA — An rapper with ties to Atlanta has been indicted in a nationwide fraud conspiracy, federal officials said.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston said rapper G Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Wright, was  indicted along with five others in a wire fraud and identity theft scheme involving stolen credit cards.

Attorneys said the men used the stolen cards to pay for private jets, yacht charters, private chefs, security guards, luxury hotels and designer puppies.

Wright, 25, is from Chicago, but was arrested in Atlanta in 2019 for assaulting the mother of his child. Wright was charged with simple battery after the incident on Centerbury Lane.

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The other men involved included rap promoter Antonio strong, rapper Rockstar Rodie, whose real name is Joseph Williams, Demario Sorrells and Steven Hayes.

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“From approximately March 2016 until the present, the defendants allegedly conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information to obtain valuable goods and services,” prosecutors said. “Specifically, they purchased private jet charters, private yacht charters, exotic car rentals, luxury hotel and vacation rental accommodations, private chef and security guard services, designer puppies, limousine and chauffer services, commercial airline flights, consumer goods, and meals, among other things.”

It’s unclear how the men got the stolen credit card information.

Each has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Strong is also charged with nine counts of aggravated identity theft; Williams is also charged with three counts of aggravated identity theft; Wright, Hayes, and Bender are also each charged with two counts of aggravated identity theft; and Sorrells is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

Bender self-surrendered in Atlanta Dec. 2. Wright self-surrendered in California Dec. 3. The others were taken into custody in Chicago.

The charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

G Herbo was one of 10 performers featured in XXL magazine’s 2016 Freshman Class, which consisted of up-and-coming rappers. Atlanta’s 21 Savage and Lil Yachty were also included in that year’s group.

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