A Nigerian national, Patrick Nwaokwu, has been sentenced to 21 months in a United States federal prison for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme that revolved around the sale of fake nursing credentials.
Nwaokwu, who resides in Laurel, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman. In addition to his prison term, he will serve two years under supervised release after admitting guilt to wire fraud charges.
According to a statement shared by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly Hayes, disclosed that Nwaokwu worked with accomplices to deceive both individuals and healthcare regulatory authorities.
Court filings revealed that the operation involved selling counterfeit nursing diplomas and academic transcripts, while also helping buyers fraudulently obtain professional licences required to work in the healthcare sector. The scheme was executed through several organisations, including a Virginia-based institution referred to as Nursing School 1 and the Palm Beach School of Nursing. Authorities estimate the fraud led to losses exceeding $1.5 million.
Investigators said that from 2018, Nwaokwu collaborated with Musa Bangura, a 67-year-old resident of Virginia, to recruit individuals interested in nursing careers. They issued falsified documents indicating that recipients had completed mandatory coursework and clinical training.
Because Nursing School 1 had previously lost its accreditation, the conspirators reportedly altered dates on documents to make it appear that clients attended the institution before it lost its licence.
In a separate arrangement, Nwaokwu partnered with Johanah Napoleon and Geralda Adrien, both based in Florida, to distribute fake Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificates to individuals in Maryland. He charged approximately $17,000 for RN credentials and between $6,000 and $10,000 for LPN certificates, while instructing clients on how to manipulate their National Council Licensure Examination applications.
Prosecutors emphasized that the fraudulent operation allowed unqualified individuals to secure nursing licences and gain employment in healthcare facilities, putting patients at risks.
Authorities warned that the scheme “knowingly and recklessly” endangered lives by exposing patients to possible harm, including severe injury or death.
One of the co-conspirators, Bangura, had earlier been sentenced to 13 months in prison for his involvement in the case.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the efforts of the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy, who handled the prosecution.