A Georgia con artist, Earnest Williams, is accused of fraudulently marrying Shirley Strawberry, co-host of Steve Harvey’s radio show, and leveraging her notoriety to scam at least 25 victims out of more than $750,000.
Williams, 57, also known as “Nesto,” was indicted by a Fulton County Grand Jury on April 23 on 39 counts of fraud, according to court documents.
The indictment alleges that from December 1, 2009, to June 30, 2022, Williams engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity across Fulton County, other parts of Georgia, and multiple states.
Presenting himself as a successful businessman, Williams allegedly stole hundreds of thousands from his victims, which included personal vehicles, motorcycles, coach buses, trailers, and various services and properties.
Primarily targeting women, he allegedly swindled them by promising to assist with new business ventures, promote their existing businesses, or enhance their brand and image.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis stated, “He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people.”
The documents indicate that Williams often exploited romantic or close personal relationships with victims to manipulate and defraud them. His scams were reportedly bolstered by his marriage to Shirley Strawberry, which provided him with an air of legitimacy.