SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Chicago-based rap artist and celebrity barber pleaded guilty in Springfield's federal court on Thursday to participating in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy. Trial begins for Southampton man accused of shooting and killing girlfriend’s ex Terrence Bender, 32, known by aliases including "Blends" and "Dopeblends," pleaded guilty on Thursday, November 14 for his participation in a wire fraud scheme, which caused $103,000 in losses to businesses and individuals across the U.S. Bender was indicted alongside five co-defendants in December 2020, including music promoter Antonio Strong and rap artists Herbert Wright and Joseph Williams. According to court documents, the conspiracy operated between March 2017 and November 2018, using stolen payment card information, including account numbers, names, security codes, and expiration dates. The conspirators used the data to fraudulently purchase high-end goods and services, such as private jet charters, luxury hotel rentals, designer puppies, and exotic car rentals. Because the stolen payment card information appeared legitimate, businesses unknowingly processed the transactions and provided the goods and services. Cardholders later disputed the charges, leaving the businesses responsible for their losses. Bender, a celebrity barber and rap artist in the Chicago area, used the fraudulent funds for personal expenses, including car insurance in his name. He was held accountable for $103,000 in victim losses. Several of Bender’s co-defendants have already pleaded guilty and received sentences, including: Herbert Wright: Sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay over $145,000 in restitution and fines. Demario Sorrells: Sentenced to three years’ probation with restitution exceeding $106,000. Joseph Williams: Sentenced to three years’ probation with restitution over $155,000. Antonio Strong: Sentenced to three years in prison and restitution of more than $2.1 million. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Local News Headlines Enfield police arrest suspect in stolen vehicle scheme Town reduces speed limit amid National Crash Responders Safety Week Greenfield looks to revive Northern Tier Rail line Heating aid approved to help residents in Hampden County WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.