In a scandal that’s gripping Hollywood and beyond, Shirley Strawberry, co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, finds herself inadvertently linked to a massive fraud scheme orchestrated by her husband, Earnest Williams. The allegations are staggering, involving over $750,000 and 25 victims. Here’s everything you need to know about this shocking turn of events.
A Fraudulent Web Unveiled
On April 23, a Fulton County Grand Jury indicted Earnest Williams on 39 counts of fraud. Williams is accused of masquerading as a successful businessman to deceive his victims, primarily women, out of money, property, vehicles, and more. The indictment reveals a sophisticated operation where Williams used romantic deception to ensnare his targets, often leveraging intimate relationships to build trust and carry out his schemes.
Shirley’s Unwitting Role
Shirley Strawberry, best known for her popular radio show with Steve Harvey, was reportedly unaware of her husband’s fraudulent activities. Despite her lack of involvement, her celebrity status may have unwittingly lent credibility to Williams’ false persona. Court documents suggest that Williams married Strawberry with the intention of exploiting her fame for his illicit activities.
“We believe she met a man, fell in love, and married him, and the truth is, at the time, he was already married to someone else,” said Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to WSB-TV on May 30.
A Decade of Deception
The indictment also names Erica King, aka Ericka Hughley or Ericka Hughley Rothschild, as a co-conspirator. King allegedly helped Williams by impersonating licensed Georgia attorneys to mislead law enforcement and courts. She faces charges on 19 of the 39 counts listed against Williams.
Roswell police arrested both Williams and King in October 2023, following a decade-long investigation into their fraudulent activities. The grand jury decided to indict both under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act, a move that underscores the seriousness and scale of their alleged crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
According to court records, Williams’ public defender, Shawn Hoover, filed a plea agreement for his client on April 26. A hearing was scheduled for May 29, but the outcome remains unclear. If found guilty, Williams faces severe penalties. Five of the fraud counts exceed $24,999, which could lead to sentences ranging from two to 20 years
in prison. Ten additional counts are under $25,000, each carrying a potential sentence of one to ten years.
Shirley’s Statement and Public Reaction
Shirley Strawberry has not made a public statement regarding her husband’s indictment. Fans and followers of the Steve Harvey Morning Show are shocked and saddened by the revelations. Many are rallying in support of Strawberry, acknowledging that she may have been duped by Williams’ deceit.
The Aftermath and What’s Next
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on Shirley Strawberry and how she navigates this difficult time. The public will be watching closely to see if further details emerge about Williams’ fraudulent activities and whether additional victims come forward. For now, Shirley Strawberry remains a beloved figure in entertainment, with many hoping she can emerge unscathed from this scandal that has rocked her personal life.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as new details come to light about the shocking fraud scheme involving Shirley Strawberry’s husband
