Willie D -- one-third of the Geto Boys -- was arrested Wednesday for alleged wire fraud. Born Willie James Dennis, the rapper turned businessman was apprehended by federal authorities at Bush Intercontinental Airport. According to US Attorney Tim Johnson, Dennis was charged in connection "with his purported sales of iPhones through a company known as Texas One Wireless." Dennis allegedly pretended to be an electronic salesman, using Ebay to sell the phones internationally. Once a customer showed interested in purchasing an iPhone, Dennis directed them to complete the sale through email correspondence. After customers transferred the funds into his bank account they were sent tracking numbers but never actually received the phones.
After receiving several complaints, Dennis informed customers that the "mix-up" was not his fault and that he filed claims with the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, he told them that he was unable to process their refund until he was able to track down the merchandise. Eventually Dennis would cut off all correspondence with customers and pocket their money. The investigation into the wire fraud began after a disgruntled customer contacted law enforcement.
Best known as a member of the Houston-based group, Willie D started Relentless Music Ventures in 2006. If convicted, D faces up to 20 years in prison plus a $250,000 fine.
Music Mug Shots
GBP3,000 reward for information was offered, he was finally arrested Tuesday (09) afternoon - reportedly at the Miami Beach home of former Beyonce and 50 Cent producer Scott Storch. Storch himself had a warrant out on his name earlier this year over a child-support case and is said to be facing financial problems after the same water front mansion was placed in foreclosure.
Splash News
In this police mug shot from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, musician Kid Rock, or Robert J. Ritchie, poses for a mug shot October 21. 2007 in DeKalb County, Georgia. Kid Rock was arrested in the early morning of October 21 after a fight at a Waffle House restaurant in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County Sheriffs Office/Getty Images
Kid Rock, Feb. 16, 2005. Offense: Punching a disc jockey at an adult entertainment club.
Nashville Police, AP
This photo released by the Lee County Florida Sheriff s Office shows country singer Mindy McCready who was charged with battery and resisting arrest early Saturday morning July 21 2007 in Fort Myers Fla. McCready 31 was arrested and charged with the two misdemeanors, according to booking information. McCready was released on $1000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14.
AP
Country singer Mindy McCready smiles for the camera as she is charged with drink driving in Nashville, Tennessee in the early hours of Friday May 6.
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Paris Hilton, June 3, 2007. Offense: Violating her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case,
Los Angeles Police Department/AP
Lindsay Lohan, July 24, 2007. Offense: DUI, cocaine possession and driving on a suspended license.
Santa Monica Police, AP
Oct. 5, 2007 booking photo released by the Ada County, Idaho, Sheriff's Office shows hip-hop star Lil Wayne.The lawyer of hip-hop star Lil' Wayne says his client never received a court summons, stemming from an arrest warrant on a felony fugitive charge from last year.
Ada County Sheriffs Office, AP
Snoop Dogg in his booking photograph after being charged with possession of a deadly weapon. The rapper handed himself in to sheriffs at Orange County Jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was released on $150,000 bail after being charged with carrying a deadly weapon into John Wayne Airport. The star claimed the collapsible baton was a prop for a movie when he was held.
Splash News
Kimora Lee Simmons, wife of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, is seen in this police mug shot July 26, 2004 in Saddle River, New Jersey. Simmons was arrested and charged with eluding an officer, possessing marijuana, careless driving and operating a vehicle while possessing drugs.
Saddle River Police Department via Getty
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
gre31gbat 5-18-2009
What a dumb jerk
Carieat 5-18-2009
Didn't realize rappers were smart enough to come up with this kind of thing!
god72fatherat 5-18-2009
If you think this was smart you are very dumb.
VERONICAat 5-18-2009
I will have to go with you on that 1. He makes it bad for everyone that is out there tring to do right, even in these hard times.
DiegoFitzgeraldat 5-18-2009
The headline said "musician"...he is NOT what I would call a musician. Loser maybe. But watch, his attorney will probably get him off with only a slap on the wrist. You can take the rapper out of the ghetto, but...oh hell, you know the rest.
Sunshine!at 5-18-2009
What an idiot.. It cracks me up that some people are so stupid that they think they can pull this kind of stuff and get away with it. This guy appears to have money already, so it just goes to prove that there are some who are just born felons and they can't be happy unless they've got their fingers in the felon-pot... Have fun in prison, Dude! ;)
LILIANAat 5-18-2009
Stupid A**HOLE
LILIANAat 5-18-2009
Like RED FOXX Use to Say.. U BIG DUMBIE.......
gwalkerhccat 5-18-2009
What a dumb BUTT!
I hope instead of twenty years he gets sixty years.
LILIANAat 5-18-2009
I Agree With SunsShine. 100% Have fun in jail..
kcatwilliamsat 5-18-2009
yall need to cut all this stupidity out with all this bias. it doesn't matter if you are a rapper or not, crime is crime. i see people living in glass houses seem to be the very ones doing crimes. but theirs are big corporate crimes in the millions. it just takes them longer to get caught, ok.
Mikw W Hermanat 5-18-2009
Why wasn't this on black voices?
Melissaat 5-18-2009
Easy way to make money. Not a joke or scam! Email me with any questions at mjdoug03@yahoo.com
http://ad-ventures4u.com?r=70677
Hello Lovaat 5-18-2009
What a turd...
cbw57at 5-18-2009
Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him