Chicago rapper G Herbo pleads not guilty to fraud scheme

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Chicago rapper G Herbo pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to participating in a scheme to use stolen credit card information to pay for things like luxury vacation rentals and designer puppies.

G Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, appeared before a Massachusetts federal judge via videoconference because of the coronavirus pandemic. He pleaded not guilty to charges of identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Others charged i n the case unsealed last week include G Herbo's promoter, Antonio Strong, and another Chicago rapper known as 'œJoe Rodeo'ť and 'œRockstar Rodie.'ť

Authorities say G Herbo and the others used text messages, social media messages and emails to share account information taken from dark websites in order to bankroll a lavish lifestyle. In one case, Strong ordered two designer puppies for G Herbo using a stolen credit card and fake Washington state driver's license, authorities said.

G Herbo was named earlier this month to Forbes' 30 under 30 list and appeared last month on 'œThe Tonight Show'ť with Jimmy Fallon to perform the song 'œPTSD'ť with Chance the Rapper.