Detroit rapper sentenced to 10 years in prison for $63 million scheme
Detroit rapper Jaiswan has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars.
The 32-year-old (real name Jaiswan Williams), best known for songs like ‘Cold Shoulder’ and ‘It’s Up There’, was the alleged ringleader of a $63 million scheme that involved stealing cheques from the mail and selling them online.
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and abet bank and wire fraud, money laundering, and accepted responsibility for $1.5 million of fraudulent pandemic unemployment insurance benefit claims.
Inspector General Anthony P D’Esposito said, “Jaiswan Williams exploited his platform as a rapper, using his celebrity status to rip off American taxpayers. These criminal acts will not be tolerated.”
He continued, “We remain relentless in this war on fraud and will ensure every fraudster that attempts to undermine the American people receives their prison sentence. I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners that support this critical mission.”
As well as Jaiswan, 32-year-old Daquan Foreman, 40-year-old Vanessa Hargrove, and 32-year-old Crystal Jenkins were also previously sentenced.
Foreman received a 48-month sentence, while Hargrove was sentenced to 12 months, and Jenkins was handed three years of supervised release.
Special Agent in Charge, Karen Wingerd, added, “The stealing of checks is not a victimless crime. The stolen checks belonged to citizens, to help them make payments for vital services or help through a tough time. With today’s sentencing, all of those responsible are now held to account for exploiting the public and undermining trust in critical government systems.”
She continued, “We are committed, along with our law enforcement partners, to using our unique expertise to track intricate financial systems, find criminals, and hold them accountable for the crimes committed.”