Rapper who literally set fire to money busted as Vance fraud taskforce uncovers $42M in food stamp thefts

WASHINGTON — An Atlanta rapper with a penchant for peeing naked from balconies was busted on dozens of fraud charges as part of a Trump administration fraud crackdown to recover nearly $42 million in food stamp funds meant for needy families.

Mercedes New, an influencer, rapper and apparent adult content creator in Atlanta who goes by the name Shawty Dred, for years flaunted his lavish lifestyle on social media by posting photos of trips in private jets, Rolls-Royces and Maybachs.

He also shared pictures of himself on social media counting fat stacks of cash — and even set the bills on fire.
https://nypost.com/2026/10/21/us-news/trump-fraud-task-force-uncovers-42m-in-food-stamp-thefts-including-lewd-rapper-who-literally-set-cash-on-fire/