Rapper Willie D Denies Wire Fraud Charges

July 3, 2009 1:50 p.m. EST

Houston, TX (CNS) - Rapper Willie D has denied multiple charges of wire fraud. The Geto Boys group leader has pleaded not guilty of allegedly running an international online vending scam.

Willie D - real name William James Dennis - was arrested in May for reportedly running an iPhone scam through an online selling site.

According to the authorities, Willie would conduct the scam through eBay by having foreign consumers buy bulk purchases of iPhones. Once the electric wire transfer was completed, buyers were sent bogus shipping tracking numbers. The packages would never reach the victims.

Willie was released after posting bond.

His release terms include surrendering his passport and being unable to travel beyond Harris County, Texas. His Internet privileges were also taken away from him, despite his attorney arguing that he needed access to the Web to manage his rap career.

He will appear in court for pre-trial hearing on July 27. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, Allhiphop.com reports.