Friday, May 8, 2026 - A federal grand jury has indicted a Nigerian man, Kenneth Godwin, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorized access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud in the United States.
The United States Attorney Ron Parsons made the announcement
in a press statement issued by the Department of Justice on Wednesday, May 6
2026.
If convicted, Godwin could face up to 20 years in custody
and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100
to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
According to the statement, between May 2023 and March 2026,
Godwin, while believed to be living in Nigeria, conspired with others to
embezzle funds from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Pine Ridge, South
Dakota, in order to enrich themselves.
"No agency on earth is better at this than the FBI,”
said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “They will track down those who steal from and
commit fraud against the people of the United States wherever those offenders
may be.”
"His international business e-mail compromise (BEC)
scheme caused substantial financial damage to a business owned and operated by
the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota,” said FBI
Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson.
“This indictment is an example of how the FBI operates every
day to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises in Indian County and across
the United States that target businesses and citizens in communities. The
message is clear; we will work with our partners to hold fraudsters
accountable.”
The charges are merely accusations, and Godwin is presumed
innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant
U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
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