A United States federal court has sentenced Nigerian-born academic and former nonprofit executive Nkechy Ezeh to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme involving funds meant to support vulnerable preschool children and low-income families.
The judgment was delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou in Michigan, according to a statement released by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Ezeh to repay approximately $1.4 million in restitution and an additional $390,174 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over tax-related offences.
How the Fraud Allegedly Happened
Investigators said Ezeh diverted taxpayer and donor funds intended for early childhood education programmes for personal expenses and luxury spending.
Authorities accused her of using the money to finance international trips to destinations including Hawaii, Europe and Africa, as well as family-related expenses such as a wedding celebration.
Court documents also alleged that several relatives were placed on a “ghost payroll,” receiving large payments despite reportedly performing little or no actual work.
Prosecutors further claimed that some stolen funds were moved through intermediaries to family members in Nigeria.
Background of the Organisation
Ezeh was the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC), a nonprofit organisation based in West Michigan.
The organisation received funding from U.S. government programmes including Head Start and the Department of Education, alongside donations from private supporters.
The nonprofit provided meals, transportation and educational support services to children in underserved communities.
She also previously served as an Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Early Childhood Education Programme at Aquinas College.
Judge Describes Scheme as ‘Brazen’
During sentencing, Judge Jarbou reportedly described the fraud as extensive and damaging, noting that the stolen funds were meant for vulnerable children and struggling families.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey condemned the actions, saying the money could have supported hundreds of children across West Michigan communities.
Authorities said the collapse of the nonprofit in 2023 resulted in several preschool programmes losing funding and led to the dismissal of dozens of employees.
Co-Conspirator Already Sentenced
A former bookkeeper linked to the organisation, Sharon Killebrew, had earlier been sentenced to 54 months in prison for her role in the fraud scheme.
The investigation was carried out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the IRS Criminal Investigation unit.
Why the Case Is Drawing Attention
The case has generated widespread reaction because it involved public and donor funds intended for children in low-income communities.
Legal analysts say the prosecution also highlights growing scrutiny of nonprofit organisations handling federal grants and educational funding in the United States.