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Edwin Okoronkwo Sentenced to Over Six Years in U.S. Federal Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

February 1, 2025

Omaha, NE – A Nigerian national, Edwin Okoronkwo, has been sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for his role in an elaborate fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted victims across the United States. U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher handed down the sentence on January 29, 2025, in a federal court in Omaha, Nebraska.

According to U.S. Attorney Susan T. Lehr, Okoronkwo, 36, conspired with his wife, Julie Okoronkwo, to deceive victims through online “catfishing” scams, where they impersonated high-ranking U.S. military officials on overseas missions. The couple manipulated victims into sending money via the United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, and UPS.

In addition to defrauding individuals through fake online personas, the Okoronkwos engaged in identity theft, using stolen personal information to open fraudulent bank accounts and peer-to-peer payment accounts on platforms such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App. The stolen funds were funneled into their own accounts and transferred to international recipients, including in Nigeria, through cryptocurrency exchanges and wire transfers.

Julie Okoronkwo, who worked at a hospital, accessed confidential patient information, including Social Security numbers and Nebraska driver’s license details, to further the scheme. She was sentenced to 25 months in prison earlier in January.

As part of his sentencing, Edwin Okoronkwo was ordered to pay $342,535 in restitution to seven victims. Following his prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release before being deported by U.S. immigration authorities.

Judge Buescher condemned the crimes as a “tragedy for the victims,” underscoring the devastating financial and emotional toll on those deceived by the scheme.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

 

Credit: North Platte Post

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