SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Chicago-area man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield in connection with his role in a nationwide fraud conspiracy.

According to the Department of Justice, 32 years old Antonio M. Fuerte of Orland Park, Illinois, along with five other individuals allegedly conspired to defraud numerous companies and individuals by using stolen and unauthorized payment card account information of real people.

Chicago rapper “G Herbo” among six others charged in federal fraud case in Springfield

Strong used several fictitious names and aliases, provided fake driver’s licenses under the names of real and fictitious people, used email accounts under the names of real and fictitious companies, and falsely stated that he was from “Universal Music,” “Sony Music,” “Epic.” Music” and other real and fictitious companies.

Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced Tuesday to 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release, ordered to forfeit $2,159,874 and pay restitution of $2,159,873.

Additional co-defendants include rapper Herbert Wright III (known as G Herbo), Demario Sorrells, Joseph Williams, Steven Hayes, Jr. and Terrance Bender.

• Sorrells pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On Friday, he was sentenced to three years of probation, $106,000 in restitution and $106,000 in forfeiture.

• Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official and was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968.

• Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $155,392 and forfeiture of $102,116.

• Terrence Bender is scheduled to plead guilty in November.

• Steven Hayes, Jr. is awaiting trial.

Local news headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, local and syndicated programming for Western Massachusetts. look at the 22Noticias Digital Edition Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos, head to WWLP.