Ashley Shook
According to the Department of Justice, Strong participated in the elaborate scheme by using fictitious identities, fake driver’s licenses, and fraudulent email accounts. The accused also posed as representatives from reputable companies, including Universal Music, Sony Music, and Epic Music, to deceive victims.
Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four additional counts of wire fraud. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to forfeit $2,159,874 and pay restitution in the same amount. The court also sentenced him to three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
Several other individuals were involved in the fraud scheme, including rapper Herbert Wright III, better known as G Herbo. Wright pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making a false statement to a federal official. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $139,968 in restitution and forfeiture.
Demario Sorrells, Joseph Williams, Steven Hayes, Jr., and Terrance Bender also faced charges related to the conspiracy. Sorrells was sentenced to three years of probation with $106,000 in restitution and forfeiture, while Williams received the same sentence, with restitution and forfeiture totaling over $250,000.
The charges stem from a fraudulent scheme in which Strong and his co-defendants targeted multiple businesses and individuals by using unauthorized credit card details. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat wire fraud and hold individuals accountable for their roles in financial crimes.
As the legal proceedings continue, the sentences handed down to Strong and his co-defendants serve as a reminder of the severe consequences for those involved in high-stakes financial fraud.
