Boston, Mass. – Terrence Bender, a 32-year-old Chicago man, was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation and ordered to pay $103,000 in restitution and forfeiture for his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy. The scheme targeted businesses and individuals across the United States, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Bender, who also goes by the names “Blends” and “Dopeblends,” was indicted in December 2020 alongside five other co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong, rap artists Herbert Wright and Joseph Williams, and their associate Demario Sorrells. The conspiracy lasted from at least March 2017 to November 2018, during which the defendants used stolen and unauthorized payment card information—including cardholder names, addresses, security codes, and expiration dates—to commit fraud.
Due to the authenticity of the stolen card details, the transactions were processed without detection. As a result, businesses provided goods and services, only to later discover the fraud after the cardholders disputed the charges. This caused financial losses for both the affected businesses and individuals.
Bender, a well-known rap artist and celebrity barber, used the stolen payment information for his personal gain, securing a private jet charter, renting a New York City villa, buying designer puppies, and obtaining car insurance—all in his own name. For these fraudulent actions, Bender was held accountable for $103,000 in financial damages.
Other co-defendants have faced sentencing as well. On July 28, 2023, Herbert 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, along with a $5,500 fine. Demario Sorrells pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 2, 2024. He will be sentenced on August 29, 2024, and has been ordered to pay $106,481 in restitution and forfeiture.
This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of participating in wire fraud schemes and the importance of safeguarding personal financial information.
