G Herbo was sentenced today in Massachusetts federal court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making a false statement to a federal official. The Chicago rapper, who faced up to 20 years in prison, is sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay $139,878 in restitution and a $5,500 fine. Pitchfork has reached out to Herbo’s attorney for comment.
In 2020, G Herbo and five others were charged in a federal grand jury indictment accusing them of involvement in a fraud scheme that involved the alleged purchase of private jet charters, lavish car rentals, designer puppies, and more with stolen payment and credit card information. In 2023, Herbo agreed to a guilty plea after initially pleading not guilty to the charges. He also defended himself in the song “Statement.” A few months later, Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Randall Wright III, was additionally charged with making a false statement to a federal official.
“On social media, Mr. Wright boasted an extravagant lifestyle. He gave the impression that his use of private jets, luxury cars and tropical villas were the legitimate fruits of his booming rap career as ‘G Herbo,’’ acting United States attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. “However, his lavish lifestyle was shamelessly built on deceit and fraud using stolen account information that inflicted substantial harm on numerous businesses, leaving a wake of victims burdened with financial losses. This case should serve as a stark reminder that breaking the law leads to prosecution and accountability, regardless of who you are, how many likes you rack up or how many followers you have.”