A 55-year-old Nigerian national, Patrick Nwaokwu, has been sentenced to nearly two years in a United States federal prison for his role in a large-scale nursing credentials fraud scheme that enabled unqualified individuals to secure licenses and work in the healthcare sector.
The sentencing was handed down by Deborah L. Boardman, who ordered a 21-month prison term followed by two years of supervised release after Nwaokwu pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Announcing the judgment, U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes said the defendant participated in a conspiracy that sold fraudulent nursing diplomas and academic transcripts to individuals seeking entry into the healthcare field.
Court documents revealed that Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators sold fake documents purportedly issued by “Nursing School 1,” falsely claiming recipients had completed required coursework and clinical training for nursing qualifications.
Authorities said the scheme, which began in 2018, targeted individuals across Maryland and other parts of the United States willing to pay for fake credentials.
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Investigators found that Nwaokwu worked with Musa Bangura to distribute falsified records from a now-defunct institution, backdating them to make it appear beneficiaries attended the school before it lost accreditation.
He was also linked to Johanah Napoleon and Geralda Adrien in selling fraudulent Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificates through the Palm Beach School of Nursing.
As part of the operation, Nwaokwu instructed buyers to list the school on their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) applications while leaving graduation dates blank, allowing the information to be manipulated to appear legitimate.
Prosecutors disclosed that he charged about $17,000 for RN degrees and between $6,000 and $10,000 for LPN certifications, contributing to losses exceeding $1.5 million.
Authorities warned that the scheme posed serious public safety risks, as it enabled unqualified individuals to obtain licenses and practice as nurses, exposing patients to potential harm, including risk of death and serious injury.
Bangura had earlier been sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for his role in the fraud.
Hayes commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for uncovering the scheme, and also praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy for prosecuting the case.
