Rapper G Herbo pleads not guilty to fraud scheme

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (AP):

American rapper G Herbo pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to participating in a scheme to use stolen credit card information to pay for things like luxury vacation rentals – including in Jamaica – and designer puppies.

G Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, appeared before a Massachusetts federal judge via videoconference because of the coronavirus pandemic. He pleaded not guilty to charges of identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Others charged in the case unsealed last week include G Herbo’s promoter, Antonio Strong, and another rapper known as ‘Joe Rodeo’ and ‘Rockstar Rodie’.

Authorities say G Herbo and the others used text messages, social media messages and emails to share account information taken from dark websites in order to bankroll a lavish lifestyle. In one case, Strong ordered two designer puppies for G Herbo using a stolen credit card and fake Washington state driver’s licence, authorities said.

G Herbo was named earlier this month to Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ list and appeared last month on ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’ to perform the song PTSD with Chance the Rapper.