Close Menu
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Celebrity Kids
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
GistFestGistFest
  • Entertainment

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Relationships

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025

    From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

    July 30, 2025

    Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

    July 29, 2025

    Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

    July 28, 2025

    Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

    July 25, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

    Brody Jenner Ties the Knot With Tia Blanco in Dreamy Malibu Ceremony — See the Intimate Moments

    July 17, 2025

    Madison LeCroy Welcomes Baby No. 2 — the Heartwarming Story Behind the Name

    July 9, 2025

    Ariana Zolciak Supports Kim Zolciak and Siblings Amid Ongoing Money Issues

    July 7, 2025

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025
Subscribe
GistFestGistFest
Home » Two Men Plead Guilty in $1.35 Million Concert Scam After Forging Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish Signatures
General

Two Men Plead Guilty in $1.35 Million Concert Scam After Forging Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish Signatures

SolomonBy SolomonFebruary 28, 20244 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
Fake-concert
Source: newsbreak
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
Fake-concert
Source: newsbreak

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, two individuals have been implicated in a fraudulent scheme that swindled over $1 million from a concert promoter by impersonating several high-profile musicians, including Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Post Malone.

Terronce Morris and Blake Kelly have pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft as part of their involvement in the elaborate scam, federal officials have revealed.

The duo allegedly fabricated contracts containing forged signatures from the artists above. They falsely asserted that they had secured their performances for an upcoming music festival, prosecutors stated.

In a cunning attempt to bolster their deception, Morris and Kelly arranged a video call between the promoter and an accomplice who pretended to be Justin Bieber, further duping the victim into believing the authenticity of their claims, the DOJ said in a statement.

ALSO READ: UK Government Set to Overturn Hundreds of Theft Convictions Due to System Glitch

As a result of their fraudulent activities, the concert promoter was persuaded to transfer a staggering sum of $1.35 million to Morris and Kelly under the guise of covering production costs for the purported event, federal authorities disclosed.

However, instead of fulfilling contractual obligations, the two men purportedly exploited the funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle characterized by lavish travel, luxury purchases, and indulgent dining experiences.

Following the unraveling of the scheme, Michael Rhodes, the attorney representing Justin Bieber, expressed the artist’s disappointment upon learning about the circumstances outlined in the indictment. Rhodes affirmed that Bieber had fully cooperated with federal law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation, NBC News reported.

Morris and Kelly now face the prospect of significant prison sentences, each potentially subject to a maximum term of 20 years behind bars for their involvement in the fraudulent scheme.

POLL — Should the Government Increase Taxes on the Wealthy To Reduce Economic Inequality?

Blake Kelly is slated to be sentenced on March 28, while Terronce Morris is set to receive his sentence on May 2, both proceedings in Florida.

The fraudulent scheme orchestrated by Morris and Kelly underscores the pervasive threat of identity theft and financial fraud in today’s digital age. By exploiting the trust of the concert promoter and capitalizing on the fame of well-known artists, the perpetrators sought to enrich themselves at the expense of unsuspecting victims.

The elaborate nature of the scam, involving fabricated contracts and impersonation tactics, highlights the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of ill-gotten gains. Moreover, technology, such as arranging a fake video call, demonstrates the evolving sophistication of modern-day fraud schemes.

The consequences of such criminal activities extend beyond financial loss, impacting not only the direct victims but also the reputations of the artists whose identities were falsely used. Justin Bieber’s attorney’s statement reflects the artist’s dismay at being unwittingly implicated in the fraudulent scheme, highlighting the reputational damage caused by identity theft.

ALSO READ: DOJ Says Connecticut Man Faces Deportation After Involvement in $300,000 Home Depot Theft Scheme

As the legal proceedings against Morris and Kelly unfold, the case is a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and vigilance in safeguarding personal information. 

Concert promoters and other entities must exercise due diligence when entering into contractual agreements, verifying the authenticity of all parties involved to prevent falling victim to similar scams.

In addition to legal repercussions, Morris and Kelly’s actions underscore the need for broader awareness and education about the prevalence of fraud schemes in society. By raising awareness about the tactics used by fraudsters and promoting proactive measures to protect against identity theft, individuals and organizations can better safeguard themselves against such threats in the future.

You Might Also Like:

“Stop Interrupting Me!” Judge Slams Trump Lawyer Trying to Move Hush-Money Trial

Kristen Stewart Talks Having Kids With Fiancée, Explains Provocative Rolling Stone Cover

Moscow Judge Convicts American Dad for Abusing Sons in Texas

Financial Experts Judge Redditors’ Best Purchase Decisions 

Judge Orders Officers to Jail Indicted FBI Informant While He Awaits Trial

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleGeorge Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel for Deceiving Him Into Making Videos to Ridicule Him
Next Article Tiger Woods’ Son Loses in Pre-Qualifier for PGA Tour Event

Related Posts

Entertainment

“Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

July 31, 2025
Entertainment

Slasher Nostalgia: I Know What You Did Last Summer Legacy Sequel

July 24, 2025
General

Rihanna’s Pregnancy Update: A$AP Rocky Hints at Baby’s Sex

July 4, 2025
Latest Posts

“Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

July 31, 2025

From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

July 30, 2025

Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

July 29, 2025

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

July 28, 2025

Top 5 Entertainment Moments: Akshay, SRK & Amitabh in the Spotlight

July 25, 2025

Slasher Nostalgia: I Know What You Did Last Summer Legacy Sequel

July 24, 2025

Pride & Prejudice Returns to Theaters in India for 20th Anniversary—Don’t Miss the Iconic Love Story

July 23, 2025

More Than a Hero: How Superman’s Box Office Success Is Giving Hollywood a New Blueprint

July 22, 2025
About
About

We’re a news, entertainment and lifestyle hub that is dedicated to giving you quality insight on the latest lifestyle news, movie and TV news, celebrity news and lots more.

Contact us: info@gistfest.com

MOST POPULAR

Alina Nikitina: Everything We Know About the Russian Model

October 4, 2023

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing: All You Need To Know

July 21, 2023

Jennifer Rauchet: Inside the Life of Pete Hegseth’s Wife

August 30, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
© 2025 GistFest. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.