Springfield judge sentences Chicago man for using dark web to fund rapper’s lifestyle

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

According to the Ministry of Justice, the 32-year-old Antonio M. Strong of Orland Park, Illinois, along with five others, allegedly conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real people.

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

Strong used various fictitious names and aliases, provided false driver’s licenses in the names of both fictitious and real people, used email accounts in the name of fictitious and real companies, and falsely stated that he was from Universal Music, Sony Music, Epic Music and other real and fictional companies.

Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. On Tuesday, he was sentenced to 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release, along with forfeiture of $2,159,874 and restitution of $2,159,873.

Additional defendants include rapper Herbert Wright III (known as G Herbo), Demario Sorrells, Joseph Williams, Stephen Hayes Jr. and Terrence Bender.

• Sorrells pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On Friday, he was sentenced to three years probation, $106,000 in restitution and $106,000 in forfeiture.

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

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

• Terrence Bender is scheduled to plead guilty in November.

• Steven Hayes Jr. is awaiting trial.

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