U.S. Court Sentences Nigerian Man for Fraud, Orders Deportation

A Nigerian man, Edwin Okoronkwo, who was sentenced to 75 months in prison for defrauding multiple Americans, will be deported from the United States after serving his sentence. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed this in a statement detailing the conviction of Okoronkwo and his wife, Julie Okoronkwo, for their roles in an online scam.

The couple, both permanent residents of the U.S., ran a catfishing scheme in which they impersonated high-ranking military officials to deceive victims into sending money. Julie Okoronkwo, who was sentenced to 25 months in prison, played a crucial role by making phone calls to convince victims of their false identities. The scheme involved the use of stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license details, which Julie allegedly obtained from her workplace at a hospital.

According to court documents, the victims were manipulated into transferring funds through the U.S. Postal Service and private courier services such as FedEx and UPS. The fraudulent activities resulted in significant financial losses, prompting legal action against the couple.

Edwin Okoronkwo was sentenced on January 29, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher, who also ordered him to pay $342,535 in restitution to seven victims. In addition to his prison term, Edwin will be subjected to three years of supervised release before being deported. The judge described the crimes as a “tragedy for the victims.”

Julie Okoronkwo had been sentenced earlier, on January 10, 2025. Authorities emphasized that there is no parole in the federal system, meaning the convicts must serve their full sentences before any further actions, including deportation, take place.