Rapper G Herbo (real name Herbert Wright III) pleaded guilty on Friday to using stolen credit card information to pay for a lavish lifestyle.
The 27-year-old Chicago rapper admitted to using the stolen information to book private jets, rent exotic cars, and stay in luxury vacation rentals. He also used the information to buy expensive designer puppies.
The scheme, which ran from at least March 2017 to November 2018, involved G Herbo and his promoter, Antonio Strong. The two men used text messages, social media messages, and emails to share stolen credit card information that they had obtained from the dark web.
Prosecutors say that the stolen credit card information was used to pay for a chartered jet that flew G Herbo and his entourage from Chicago to Austin, Texas. The men also used the information to rent a six-bedroom Jamaican villa, where they racked up a nearly $15,000 bill.
In court documents, prosecutors said that G Herbo used the proceeds of the fraud to travel to various concert venues and to advance his career by posting photographs and videos of himself on the private jets, in the exotic cars, and at the Jamaican villa.
G Herbo faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7.
Strong has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
The Case Against G Herbo
The case against G Herbo is based on the following evidence:
- Text messages and social media messages between G Herbo and Strong that show them sharing stolen credit card information.
- Bank records that show that G Herbo used stolen credit cards to pay for flights, car rentals, and hotel stays.
- Photographs and videos that G Herbo posted on social media that show him living a lavish lifestyle.
The Defense
G Herbo’s defense is likely to focus on the following arguments:
- He was not the only person involved in the scheme.
- He did not know that the credit card information was stolen.
- He did not benefit financially from the scheme.
The Sentencing
G Herbo faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. However, it is unlikely that he will receive the maximum sentence. His plea agreement calls for a sentence of no more than 10 years in prison.
The judge will consider the following factors when sentencing G Herbo:
- The severity of the offense.
- G Herbo’s criminal history.
- G Herbo’s acceptance of responsibility.
- G Herbo’s potential for rehabilitation.
The Aftermath
The conviction of G Herbo is a significant setback for his career. He is likely to face additional legal problems, and his music career may be damaged.
The conviction also sends a message to other celebrities who are tempted to use stolen credit card information to live a lavish lifestyle. If you are caught, you could face serious consequences.
