US Court Sentences Nigerian-Born Ex-Nonprofit CEO to Prison Over $1.4 Million Fraud Scheme
A United States federal court has sentenced Nigerian-born former nonprofit executive Nkechy Ezeh to 70 months in prison over a $1.4 million fraud scheme involving taxpayer and donor funds meant for vulnerable preschool children.
The sentencing was announced by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou also imposed a concurrent 60-month sentence for tax evasion and ordered Ezeh to pay $1.4 million in restitution as well as $390,174 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Ezeh, 61, was the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a nonprofit organisation that provided early childhood education and support services to underserved communities in West Michigan.
She also previously served as an Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Early Childhood Education Programme at Aquinas College.
According to prosecutors, Ezeh diverted funds intended for low-income children toward personal expenses, including international travel to Hawaii, Europe, and Africa, as well as family-related expenses such as a wedding.
Court filings further alleged that she placed relatives on a “ghost payroll,” allowing them to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars for little or no work performed.
Prosecutors also accused her of transferring stolen funds through intermediaries to family members in Nigeria.
During sentencing, Judge Jarbou described the scheme as “brazen and widespread,” noting that the stolen funds were intended to support vulnerable children and families.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey condemned the fraud, stating that the stolen resources could have supported hundreds of children and families in West Michigan.
The nonprofit organisation received funding from U.S. federal programmes, including Head Start and the Department of Education, alongside contributions from private donors.
Following the fraud scandal, the organisation shut down operations in 2023, resulting in funding losses for several preschools and the layoff of about 35 employees.
US Court Sentences Nigerian-Born Ex-Nonprofit CEO to Prison Over $1.4 Million Fraud Scheme