Evergreen Reporter

A Missouri man, Mercy Ojedeji, admitted in a U.S. District Court to fraudulently obtaining a student visa and associated documents. The charges include one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud.

Ojedeji used counterfeit academic transcripts and other falsified documents to secure a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri's chemistry PhD program in 2023, which came with a tuition waiver and stipend over $49,000. He used the visa to obtain a Social Security card, open a bank account, and rent an apartment. However, after failing to meet academic requirements, his visa was terminated in January 2024.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service initiated an investigation after complaints about romance fraud led to packages being traced to an address linked to Ojedeji's paramour. Significant evidence of a Nigerian romance fraud scheme was discovered, including numerous packages sent during Ojedeji's relationship with the woman. Prosecutors will argue at sentencing that the intended loss exceeds $1 million, with $94,150 found in seized packages. Ojedeji denies involvement in romance fraud.

Sentencing is set for July 10, where wire fraud charges could lead to up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The immigration charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a similar fine.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” stated Ruth M. Mendonça, from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with support from the FBI and the Town and Country Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.