ICYMI: Chicago Rapper Admits to Fraud Scheme Involving Private Jets and Designer Puppies
A Chicago rapper and celebrity barber used stolen payment cards for lavish buys—including a private jet and designer puppies. 🌐 #News #ChicagoIL #Illinois #Crime
CHICAGO, IL – Terrence Bender, a Chicago rapper and self-proclaimed ‘celebrity barber’, pleaded guilty last week to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge stems from his involvement in a scheme that used stolen payment card information to make extravagant purchases, including a private jet charter flight and designer puppies. Bender, also known as “Blends” and “Dopeblends,” admitted to his role in the fraudulent activities, which spanned over a year.
The Fraudulent Scheme
Between March 2017 and November 2018, Bender and five co-defendants—music promoter Antonio Strong, rap artists Herbert Wright and Joseph Williams, and their associate Demario Sorrells—used stolen payment card information to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, they accessed unauthorized accounts of real individuals, making fraudulent transactions that affected businesses and individuals across the country.
The group’s purchases included high-end items and services like a private jet charter flight, a villa rental in New York City, and even designer puppies from a pet boutique. Bender’s personal share of the fraud resulted in a loss of $103,000 for the victims. The actual cardholders disputed the fraudulent charges, leading to chargebacks from credit card companies to the businesses and individuals that had suffered financial losses.
Legal Outcomes for Co-Conspirators
Bender’s co-defendants have already faced their legal consequences. In July 2023, Herbert Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official. He was sentenced to three years of probation, along with restitution, forfeiture of $139,968, and a $5,500 fine.
Demario Sorrells followed suit in February 2024, pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $106,481.
Joseph Williams also pleaded guilty in March 2024, receiving three years of probation, along with restitution and forfeiture of $155,392.
Antonio Strong, the most recent co-defendant to be sentenced, pleaded guilty in May 2024. He was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture amounting to $2,159,874.
Bender’s Upcoming Sentencing
Bender’s sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2025. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The outcome of his case will depend on various factors, including his cooperation with the authorities and any mitigating circumstances presented during his sentencing.
Bender’s guilty plea marks another chapter in the ongoing investigation into this multi-faceted fraud scheme. With the case still ongoing, many are watching to see what additional legal action may result from the remaining co-defendants.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Illinois | Massachusetts
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