Nigerian Professor Pleads Guilty to Stealing $1.4 Million From Grand Rapids Preschool Nonprofit

Grand Rapids, Michigan: A Nigerian-born professor has pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating a years-long fraud scheme that siphoned approximately $1.4 million from a Grand Rapids preschool nonprofit, according to court records.

Nkechy Ezeh, 60, admitted to conspiring to defraud the nonprofit by creating hundreds of thousands of dollars in fake invoices and sham daycare businesses, which prosecutors say were used to funnel charitable funds into her personal accounts.

The case stems from a federal investigation into the misuse of nonprofit funds intended to support early childhood education services in Grand Rapids.

Fake Businesses and Fraudulent Invoices

According to federal prosecutors, Ezeh helped generate nearly $500,000 in fraudulent invoices tied to fictitious childcare operations. These invoices were submitted to justify payments that were then redirected for personal use.

Authorities say the stolen funds paid for luxury and international travel, including trips to Hawaii, Nigeria, and Liberia, as well as other personal expenses entirely unrelated to the nonprofit’s mission.

The scheme exploited the trust placed in nonprofit administrators and the limited financial oversight common in smaller charitable organizations.

Abuse of Public Trust

Prosecutors emphasized that the funds were meant to benefit children and families, making the crime particularly damaging to the community.

“This was not a victimless crime,” federal officials said in court filings. “Money intended to support early childhood education and vulnerable families was instead used to finance personal travel and lifestyle expenses.”

The nonprofit itself has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Sentencing Pending

Ezeh’s guilty plea resolves the criminal charges against her, but she now faces significant prison time, as well as court-ordered restitution for the stolen funds. Sentencing is expected later this year.

Federal guidelines suggest the amount of money involved could result in multiple years in federal prison, depending on the final calculation of losses and any additional enhancements imposed by the court.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about financial oversight and accountability in the nonprofit sector, particularly when organizations lack strong internal controls.