The United States (U.S) Department of Justice has revealed that Nigerian Edwin Okoronkwo, sentenced to 75 months in prison for defrauding American citizens, will be deported after serving his sentence.
Okoronkwo conspired with his wife, Julie Okoronkwo, who was also sentenced to 25 months in prison for her involvement in the catfishing scheme targeting unsuspecting Americans.
The convictions were announced in a statement on the US Department of Justice website on Thursday, February 6.
The statement added that the couple, who were permanent residents of the US, used stolen identities to pose as high-ranking US military officials to deceive their victims.
To further authenticate their scam, Julie frequently made phone calls, convincing victims of the scheme’s legitimacy.
The couple managed to defraud victims by using postal services to collect the money.
“Edwin Okoronkwo, a citizen of Nigeria and a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and his spouse, Julie Okoronkwo, residing in Nebraska, used catfishing schemes to obtain money from victims via the Internet. In doing so, they convinced victims to send money using false online social media personas,” the statement read.
“In some instances, they claimed to be high-ranking members of the United States military on overseas missions. Through the catfishing schemes, victims from all over the country were tricked into sending money through the United States Postal Service and other commercial carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
“Julie Okoronkwo contacted catfishing victims over the phone to further convince them of the legitimacy of their need for cash and obtained from her workplace, a hospital, victims’ means of identification, including their social security numbers and Nebraska driver’s license information.”
The statement revealed that after their arrest and prosecution, Julie Okoronkwo was sentenced to 25 months in prison on January 10, while Edwin Okoronkwo received a 75-month sentence on January 29, handed down by a US District Judge.
The judge also ordered Edwin to pay restitution totaling $342,535 to certain victims.
Additionally, Edwin will serve three years of supervised release before being deported.
“United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Edwin Okoronkwo, age 36, of Nigeria, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Okoronkwo to 75 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system,” the statement added.
“After his release from prison, Okoronkwo will be placed on a three-year term of supervised release and will be deported by immigration authorities. Okoronkwo was also ordered to pay restitution of $342,535.00 to seven victims as a result of his crimes.
“Julie Okoronkwo was previously sentenced to imprisonment for 25 months by U.S. District Judge Buescher on January 10, 2025. Judge Buescher stated at Edwin Okoronkwo’s sentencing hearing that the crimes were “truly a tragedy for the victims.”
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