A Nigerian-born former nonprofit executive in the United States, Dr Nkechy Ezeh, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison over a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving funds meant for vulnerable preschool children.
The sentence was handed down by a federal court in Michigan after prosecutors accused Ezeh of diverting taxpayer and donor funds for personal expenses and family benefits.
US court sentences Dr Nkechy Ezeh
According to US authorities, Dr Nkechy Ezeh was convicted for her role in a fraud scheme involving approximately $1.4 million.
The sentencing was delivered by Chief US District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, who also imposed a concurrent 60-month sentence related to tax evasion charges.
The court further ordered Ezeh to repay $1.4 million in restitution and an additional $390,174 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Following the ruling, the 61-year-old was immediately remanded into federal custody.
Former nonprofit CEO accused of diverting funds
Ezeh was the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a nonprofit organisation based in West Michigan.
The organisation focused on providing educational support and early childhood services to children from low-income communities.
Investigators alleged that funds meant for children’s welfare were instead used for personal luxury expenses, including international trips and family-related spending.
Prosecutors said the money financed travel to Europe, Hawaii and Africa, while part of the funds allegedly supported a family wedding.
Ghost payroll and transfers to relatives
Court documents also revealed allegations that Ezeh placed relatives on the organisation’s payroll despite claims that some performed little or no legitimate work.
Authorities further accused her of transferring stolen funds to family members in Nigeria through intermediaries.
The court described the fraud as extensive and damaging, especially because the money was originally intended to support vulnerable children and struggling families.
Impact on schools and workers
The nonprofit reportedly received funding from federal programmes, including Head Start and the US Department of Education, alongside donations from private organisations.
The organisation provided meals, transportation and educational support for preschool children in underserved communities.
Following the fraud investigation, the nonprofit shut down operations in 2023.
The closure reportedly affected several preschools and resulted in the loss of jobs for about 35 employees.
US authorities react to the conviction
US Attorney Timothy VerHey condemned the fraud, stating that funds meant for children were diverted for personal gain.
Authorities noted that the case highlights the dangers of misusing public grants and donor funds meant for community development.
A former bookkeeper linked to the case, Sharon Killebrew, had earlier been sentenced to prison over her involvement in the scheme.
The investigation was carried out by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General alongside the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit.
