A Chicago rapper and famous barber purchased expensive items like a private plane and designer puppies using stolen credit cards.#Chicago, Illinois, #News, #Crime
Chicago, IllinoisChicago rapper and self-described celebrity barber Terrence Bender entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to conduct wire fraud last week. He was charged because he was part of a scam that made ostentatious purchases, such as designer dogs and a private jet charter journey, using stolen credit card information. Bender, who went by Blends and Dopeblends, acknowledged his involvement in the fraudulent activities, which took place over a period of more than a year.
The Fraudulent Scheme
Between March 2017 and November 2018, Bender and five co-defendants music promoter Antonio Strong, rap artists Herbert Wright and Joseph Williams, and their associate Demario Sorrells used stolen payment card information to commit wire fraud. Court documents claim that they gained access to legitimate people’s unauthorized accounts and carried out fraudulent transactions that had an impact on both individuals and businesses nationwide.
The group’s purchases included luxury goods and services like a New York City villa rental, a private jet charter journey, and even designer pups from a pet store. The victims lost $103,000 as a result of Bender’s personal involvement in the scam. Credit card firms issued chargebacks to the corporations and individuals who had incurred losses as a result of the real cardholders contesting the fraudulent transactions.
Legal Outcomes for Co-Conspirators
The legal repercussions for Bender’s co-defendants have already been dealt with. In July 2023, Herbert Wright entered a guilty plea to one count of making a false statement to a federal officer and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He received a sentence of three years on probation, $139,968 in forfeiture, restitution, and a $5,500 fine.
In February 2024, Demario Sorrells entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to conduct wire fraud. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $106,481.
Joseph Williams also pleaded guilty in March 2024, receiving three years of probation, along with restitution and forfeiture of $155,392.
Antonio Strong, the most recent co-defendant to be sentenced, pleaded guilty in May 2024. He was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture amounting to $2,159,874.
Bender s Upcoming Sentencing
Bender s sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2025. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The outcome of his case will depend on various factors, including his cooperation with the authorities and any mitigating circumstances presented during his sentencing.
Bender s guilty plea marks another chapter in the ongoing investigation into this multi-faceted fraud scheme. With the case still ongoing, many are watching to see what additional legal action may result from the remaining co-defendants.
RELATED TOPICS:Crime|Illinois|Massachusetts
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