A 53-year-old Nigerian man, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced to 115 months in prison in Kentucky for laundering money obtained through multiple fraud schemes, including romance and inheritance scams that targeted at least 23 victims across the United States.
Emesim, who legally resided in Newark, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, after being convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The United States Department of Justice disclosed the sentencing in a statement released on Thursday, May 14.
According to the statement, Emesim operated a decade-long fraud and money laundering scheme involving various internet and telephone-based scams, including romance scams, government impersonation scams, lottery scams, investment scams, inheritance scams, and medical expense scams.
Investigators said that between December 2013 and June 2024, Emesim opened and managed at least 17 bank accounts under his own name and through businesses identified as Chadon Export and Chadon Trucking.
Authorities revealed that at least 23 victims from different parts of the United States were deceived into sending more than $700,000 to Emesim through cash deliveries, cashier’s checks, money transfers, and direct bank deposits.
One of the victims, an elderly widow living in eastern Kentucky, was reportedly manipulated through a romance scam after believing she was in a relationship with a man identified as “Michael Oliver,” who claimed he wanted to transfer his wealth to her.
The victim was later introduced to a supposed customs agent named “Samuel Rock,” who allegedly assisted with the transfer process. The two communicated mainly through WhatsApp, and the victim eventually travelled to the Lexington Airport to meet him in person.
During the meeting, she reportedly handed over more money, drove him to a local store, and purchased a computer tablet for him. The court later determined that Emesim was the individual posing as “Customs Agent Rock.”
The victim reportedly lost tens of thousands of dollars through cash payments, cashier’s checks, prepaid debit cards, and gift cards sent to Emesim and his associates.
Authorities said Emesim frequently withdrew victims’ funds in cash, moved money through accounts linked to relatives or businesses, and transferred funds to bank accounts in Nigeria belonging to himself and family members.
Commenting on the case, Jason Parman described romance scams and financial fraud schemes as predatory crimes that rely on deception and emotional manipulation. He said Emesim spent years helping criminals funnel money stolen from hardworking Americans, including vulnerable elderly victims.
Olivia Olson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office also said the sentencing demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursuing fraudsters and securing justice for victims.
During sentencing, the court described Emesim’s actions as heartless and reprehensible, noting the severe financial, emotional, and psychological impact the crimes had on victims. The judge also warned that individuals involved in international internet fraud schemes would face serious consequences that outweigh any financial gains.
Under U.S. federal law, Emesim must serve at least 85 percent of his prison term. After completing his sentence, he will remain under supervised release for three years.
The case was investigated by the FBI, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the matter on behalf of the United States government.
