Texas Conspirator Sentenced for Chickasaw Nation Wire Fraud

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA — In a major victory against white-collar crime, Nnamdi Felix Udeagha, 39, of Humble, Texas, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The former defendant also faces an order to pay $214,908.34 in restitution.

Udeagha’s conviction stems from a fraudulent scheme that targeted the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health, where he and co-conspirators posed as legitimate vendors to steal funds intended for vital medical services. The FBI-led investigation revealed that Udeagha provided bank account information to his cohorts, who then sent false emails instructing the health department to wire payments.

FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater emphasized the agency’s dedication to protecting government institutions from such deceitful acts. ‘This defendant tried to hide in the shadows of the internet to steal money that was meant for essential medical programs,’ said Goodwater.

United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson praised the FBI’s efforts and highlighted the importance of collaboration with organizations like the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health. ‘Fraudsters like Udeagha use email compromise schemes to prey on even sophisticated businesses,’ Wilson stated.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Udeagha will serve his non-paroleable sentence under the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service before being transported to a federal prison facility.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara Traster and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States in this case, ensuring justice was served for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health.

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