S. Samuel
Geto Boys' William "Willie D" Dennis has been indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud stemming from an iPhone scam earlier this year.
Willie D was indicted Tuesday (June 9) afternoon.
Rapper William Dennis, aka Willie D, was indicted Tuesday by a grand jury on 15 counts of wire fraud. The investigation leading to Dennis’ arrest came after one of the overseas purchasers filed a complaint with law enforcement authorities. Wire fraud carries a maximum punishment, upon conviction, of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Dennis is currently on bond pending trial in this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri L. Zack. (MyFox News)
He was initially taken in by authorities last month.
William James Dennis, also known as “Willie D” is charged with wire fraud stemming from his alleged sales of Apple iPhones through a company known as Texas One Wireless. Dennis was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport Wednesday after returning from a trip overseas. If convicted, Dennis could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, followed by up to five years of supervised release and restitution to the victims. (KTRK News)
Willie faces various charges from the scam which began last fall.
Beginning in September 2008, Dennis, posing as an electronics salesman, used eBay to establish his credibility with international buyers. Once a buyer showed interest, Dennis allegedly directed them outside of eBay to conduct sales via e-mail. Numerous foreign individuals placed orders with Dennis for iPhones and other electronics. Dennis required payment to be electronically transferred to his bank account and once the transaction was confirmed, Dennis would send tracking numbers for packages that were never shipped. When the buyers complained about not receiving their purchases, Dennis allegedly claimed he had filed a complaint with the U.S. Postal Service or hired carrier and that he could not refund their money until he knew where his goods were. Eventually, Dennis would cease communication with the victimized parties. (Houston Press)
The rapper has over two decades of history within the music industry.
After the Geto Boys’ Grip It! On That Other Level caught the ear of hip-hop impresario Rick Rubin (LL Cool J, Beastie Boys), Rubin re-mixed and re-recorded tracks from the album. He was ready to release it on his Def American label in 1990 when distributor Geffen balked at “Mind of a Lunatic,” a track which described necrophilia with a murder victim. By late 1990, Rubin had found another distributor, Giant Records, and the album was released — as The Geto Boys — that same year. (All Music)
No further information has been provided as of today (June 9).
