The United States Department of Justice has announced that Edwin Okoronkwo, a Nigerian national sentenced to 75 months in prison for defrauding several Americans, will be deported upon completing his jail term.

Okoronkwo conspired with his wife, Julie Okoronkwo, who was also sentenced to 25 months for her role in the catfishing scheme that targeted unsuspecting victims.

According to a statement obtained by Eons Media  from the US Department of Justice website, the couple, both permanent residents of the U.S., used stolen identities to pose as a high-ranking military official to deceive victims. To make the scam more convincing, Julie Okoronkwo would call victims, reinforcing the legitimacy of their claims.

The couple obtained money from their victims through postal services and commercial carriers.

The statement revealed: “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.

“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, FedEx, and UPS.

“Julie Okoronkwo also used her position at a hospital to obtain victims’ identification details, including Social Security numbers and Nebraska driver’s license information.”

Following their arrest and prosecution, Julie was sentenced to 25 months on January 10, while Edwin received a 75-month sentence on January 29 from a US District Judge.

In addition to his prison term, Edwin was ordered to pay $342,535 in restitution to seven victims and will serve three years of supervised release before being deported.

United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr confirmed: “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.

“After his release from prison, Okoronkwo will be placed on a three-year term of supervised release and will be deported by immigration authorities. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $342,535 to seven victims.”

At Edwin Okoronkwo’s sentencing hearing, Judge Buescher described the crimes as “truly a tragedy for the victims.”