In a surprising turn of events, Chicago rapper G Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, was sentenced on Thursday, January 11, to three years of probation on federal wire fraud charges in connection to a conspiracy involving stolen identities.
The conspiracy was designed to finance extravagant luxuries, including private jets, a Jamaican villa, “designer puppies,” and various other exotic services, all of which Wright later lied about to authorities.
The sentencing represents a legal victory for G Herbo’s defense team, who successfully argued for a probationary period following the artist’s guilty plea in the case.
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The prosecution had sought a stiffer penalty, proposing a sentence of one year and one day in prison along with 36 months of supervised release.
This legal episode unfolded over three years after reports surfaced of Wright being indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
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In 2021, he faced additional charges for lying to federal agents about the elaborate scheme.
As part of his plea, G Herbo admitted to making over a million dollars in fraudulent purchases for goods and services, ranging from private chefs to car rentals and the mentioned “designer puppies.”
In exchange, prosecutors dropped two counts of identity theft. Notably, five others were charged as co-conspirators, including his promoter and manager, Antonio “T-Glo” Strong, who has pleaded not guilty.
Wright’s involvement, according to the prosecution, primarily revolved around paying Strong to arrange flights and accommodations using stolen credit card information. The defense countered that Wright’s interactions with Strong were minimal.
In their sentencing memo, G Herbo’s defense emphasized his acknowledgment of responsibility, highlighting the rapper’s challenging upbringing in a violent Chicago neighborhood dubbed “Terror Town.”
The defense also pointed to Wright’s commitment to community service, evidenced by the establishment of the nonprofit Swervin’ Through Stress, which focuses on providing mental health resources to young people of color in Chicago.
Additionally, they noted his willingness to undergo substance abuse treatment.
Despite initially denying the charges, even mocking the investigation in a 2020 song, G Herbo has now faced the consequences of his actions.
Alongside the wire fraud case, he also dealt with gun charges after Chicago police allegedly discovered four firearms in a vehicle containing him and three others.
In the wake of this legal chapter, G Herbo’s future remains uncertain, with probation, fines, and the shadows of his past continuing to shape his journey.
