Earnest Williams, the husband of Shirley Strawberry, co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, is facing 39 charges under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO).
The indictment suggests that Williams’ marriage to Strawberry played a role in facilitating his alleged criminal activities.
According to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Williams’ illicit activities date back to 2009.
“He’s been conning people from 2009 to 2022,” stated Willis, describing Williams’ modus operandi of posing as a legitimate businessman while allegedly defrauding individuals of money, vehicles, and other assets.
Although Strawberry is not implicated in her husband’s schemes, court documents suggest that Williams may have exploited her celebrity status to expand his network.
The indictment alleges that Williams strategically married Strawberry as part of a long-term deception. While Strawberry filed for divorce in April, the couple had already separated in March 2022.
Williams is accused of defrauding at least 25 individuals of over $750,000, using various tactics such as issuing bad checks and refusing to return personal property.
His alleged co-conspirator, Ericka King, has also been indicted on 19 charges.
According to the DA’s office, Williams often targeted women, feigning romantic relationships to exploit them financially.
Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten emphasized Williams’ deceptive practices, stating:
“He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people.”
