6/10/2009

Geto Boys' Willie D Indicted On Wire Fraud

Remember the Geto Boyz from Houston? They did the joint "My Mind is Playin Tricks on Me"... well one of the members of the old school rap group, Willie D, was indicted on charges of wire fraud on Tuesday (June 9), stemming from accusations that he had sold iPhones and other electronics online without delivering the items.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the 42-year-old rapper (real name: William James Dennis) was charged with collecting money from online customers, via eBay, but failed to deliver their merchandise.

He was arrested in May when authorities caught him posing as an electronic salesman from a company known as Texas One Wireless, attracting international customers on eBay. Once someone showed interested, Willie D conducted business via e-mail, instructing buyers into transferring payments to his bank account.

He then emailed over tracking numbers to his buyers for items not even shipped, while Dennis claimed he filed complaints with the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers. The FBI opened an investigation into his operation after several victims reported they had not received their items and had been refunded. If convicted, Willie D could face up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised probation upon release. He may also be ordered to make restitution to his victims. Willie D is well known as of the founding members of the pioneering southern rap trio, the Geto Boys, who enjoyed success with their hit song "My Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me" in the 90s. He recently released a Geto Boys reunion album, titled Resurrection.

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