Amanze Chinonye
Federal authorities have secured a guilty plea from Dr. Nkechy Ekere Ezeh, former CEO of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC), for her role in a multi-year scheme that siphoned roughly $1.4 million from the nonprofit.
The case marks a major step toward accountability for the organization’s closure and the disruption of early childhood services across West Michigan.
Ezeh admitted in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and tax evasion, acknowledging she manipulated nonprofit funds for personal benefit. She acted alongside Sharon Killebrew, ELNC’s former Director of Finance and Administration, who previously pleaded guilty to related charges and was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison with restitution exceeding $1.4 million.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelProsecutors described a sophisticated operation in which Ezeh and Killebrew used fraudulent invoices and fictitious entities to mask payments from ELNC accounts. Stolen funds were spent on personal travel, including trips to Hawaii, Liberia, and Nigeria, and other personal expenses.
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The fallout from the fraud was severe. In 2023, ELNC which had provided meals, transportation, and preschool programs to children from low-income families in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek was forced to close.
Court filings highlighted the human toll, noting that the affected children were largely under five years old and many came from financially disadvantaged households.
Under her plea agreement, Ezeh will repay $1.4 million in restitution and nearly $400,000 in back taxes. She now faces sentencing in May 2026, with possible prison time for both charges.
ELNC’s board of directors welcomed Ezeh’s guilty plea, calling it “a necessary acknowledgment of responsibility for actions that undermined the organization and its mission.” The board emphasized the impact on the community, particularly the loss of services for vulnerable children who depended on the nonprofit for early learning opportunities.
At its peak, ELNC served hundreds of children annually, providing crucial support for families navigating challenging economic circumstances. While the organization is now closed, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of oversight and transparency in nonprofits tasked with caring for society’s most vulnerable.
Federal prosecutors noted that the case demonstrates the consequences of exploiting public trust and misusing funds designated for children’s education and welfare.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
