CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The leader of a Charlotte hip-hop group has been sentenced to nine years in prison in connection with a massive identity theft scheme.
Investigators said Damonte Withers and seven other alleged members of the FreeBandz Gang recruited people on social media and promised an easy payday in exchange for access to their bank accounts.
Prosecutors said the group then cashed fake checks and got away with more than $1 million.
Withers has to pay the money back.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com
- Lake Wylie waterfront home destroyed in massive fire
- 'It's about privilege': Sheriff confronts Cornelius leaders over speeding tickets
- 'Give me everything': Masked thieves caught on video during terrifying robbery
- FORECAST: Morning mist, afternoon showers ahead of dry, warm weekend
- Mother who tried to smother baby in hospital pleads to lesser charge
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
