A federal grand jury in the United States has indicted a Nigerian national, Kenneth Godwin, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorized access to a protected computer to facilitate fraud. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons in a press release issued by the Department of Justice on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Godwin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution to victims may also be ordered by the court.
Details of the Scheme
According to the statement, between May 2023 and March 2026, Godwin—believed to be residing in Nigeria—conspired with others to embezzle funds from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, for personal enrichment. The scheme involved a business email compromise (BEC) attack that caused significant financial losses to the casino, which is owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
FBI and Prosecutor Comments
“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.”
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson added: “His international business e-mail compromise scheme caused substantial financial damage to a business owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. This indictment is an example of how the FBI operates every day to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises in Indian Country 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.”
Presumption of Innocence
The charges are merely accusations, and Godwin is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
