Breaking News: Apollo Nida Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison For Bank & Identity Fraud
Another one bites the Bravo dust!
Apollo Nida, 35, convicted felon and star of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” appeared in a Georgia Court today to be sentenced in his bank, check and identity fraud case.
Apollo pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail, wire, and bank fraud on May 6, 2014. These charges carried up to 30 years in the slammer. In addition, he would be subject to fines up to $1 million, plus restitution for an estimated $2.3 million.
Today, Judge Charles Pannell, went easy on Apollo only sentencing him to 8-years in prison with 5 years supervised release. U.S. District Court Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr., also ordered Nida to pay restitution to the victims. A separate hearing to calculate the restitution amount is scheduled for July 17.
His wife, Phaedra Parks was NOT present in court for Apollo’s sentencing. His mother and brother were there to support him.
Reginald G. Moore, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office, released the following press release:
“Today’s sentencing exemplifies impartial justice regardless of economic class or perceived celebrity status. Nida’s sentence should be an eye opener for other like-minded criminals who scheme to steal victims’ identities, defraud them and ignore the consequences of their actions.”
As we previously reported, Apollo became a snitch when he agreed to work with the feds in an “undercover investigative capacity” as part of his plea agreement. Below is excerpt from the plea agreement, which describes how the feds will monitor and record conversations and other interaction between Apollo and persons suspected of criminal activity.
[READ] Apollo Nida SNITCHED On Atlanta Police To Get Lighter Sentence
We EXCLUSIVELY received information from a source who claims, Apollo’s bank and identity fraud scam was a large-scale scheme, concocted from within the prison by a gang of inmates. The scam involved several prisons across the US. This tea ties into his parole officer(s) aiding and abetting parolees to make an easy transition (with the scam) from prison to the streets. This explains how Apollo paroled from prison in 2009 and started this fraud scam within the same year of his release from prison.
Undercover Work: Upon request by the Government, the Defendant agrees to act in an undercover investigative capacity to the best of ability. The Defendant agrees that Defendant will make himself available to the law enforcement agents designated by the Government, will fully comply with all reasonable instructions given by such agents, and will allow such agents to monitor and record conversations and other interaction with persons suspected of criminal activity.
For Apollo’s cooperation, the feds will recommend a reduced sentence. The plea agreement states:
“The Government agrees to make the extent of the Defendant’s cooperation known to the sentencing court. In addition, if the cooperation is completed before sentencing and the Government determines that such cooperation qualifies as “substantial assistance” pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 3553(e) and/or Section5Kl.l of the Sentencing Guidelines, the Government will file a motion at sentencing recommending a downward departure from the applicable guideline range.”
As we reported, Apollo Nida had accomplices. Many assumed as much since Apollo is dumb as a box of rocks, there was NO WAY he could carry out an intricate plot own his own. Apollo’s Parole Officer played a role in the bank and identity fraud scheme and members of the Atlanta Law Enforcement were reportedly involved.
“The plea agreement also stipulates upon his conviction, Apollo must forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of his crimes. This includes money, homes, cars, jewelry, etc.”
Apollo won’t be required to immediately surrender into the custody of the Bureau of Prisons since he’s already out on bail. The court will order him to voluntarily or self-surrender in 3-6 months after he’s sentenced. He will be notified by the U.S. Marshals Service of his exact surrender date and provided with the name of the institution where to surrender. This will give him time to get his affairs in order and say his goodbyes to family and friends.
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Nancy Zhāng is an Entertainment Blogger for All About The Tea. Nancy covers hot topics, recaps and celeb news. She loves to multi-task as a writer and a private chef. She received a B.S. in Mass Communications from LSU. Nancy’s married and the proud mom of 2 German Shepherds.