Fake Shiloh Hendrix fundraiser
The man who set up a fraudulent impersonation of Shiloh Hendrix in order to solicit donations from MAGA is now claiming it was a “social experiment”.
That he didn’t keep the money he admits to having fraudulently solicited.
Unfortunately, under the circumstances, “it was just a joke, bro” will likely not cut it.
Wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 requires:
• A scheme or artifice to defraud, or to obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
• Specific intent to defraud
• Use of interstate or foreign wire communications in furtherance of the scheme
• That any misrepresentation was material.
Lack of fraudulent intent is a complete defense. But that requires good-faith belief in the truth of statements, honest mistakes, or pure non-fraudulent motives - which can include a true practical joke with no design to obtain money/property.
On its face, not the case here.
And the really sad thing is he’s got a young kid. That he seems to be using as a prop or a shield to the obvious criminal fraud he just perpetrated and celebrated.
Also, I’ve got Shiloh‘s lawyer coming on tomorrow for a live stream. It will be awesome!