Georgia Man Sentenced for Romance Scams

Stephen Odiboh was sentenced to 33 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme that defrauded four victims.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Crime

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A federal court sentenced 53-year-old Georgia resident Stephen Odiboh to 33 months in prison for his role in a series of romance scams. Odiboh was also ordered to pay $196,500 in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Why it matters

The case highlights the severe financial impact of romance scams, which often involve long-term manipulation and complex methods for transferring illicit funds. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the federal consequences for individuals who use deceptive personas to target and exploit vulnerable victims.

Stephen Odiboh received a 33-month prison sentence following his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in June 2026. The court further mandated $196,500 in restitution to compensate the four victims identified in the investigation.

The players

Stephen Odiboh

A 53-year-old Georgia resident who operated romance scams using the online persona Oliver Wilson.

The details

Odiboh defrauded victims by posing as a widower named Oliver Wilson, claiming to reside in locations such as Norway. He funneled money through various channels including gift cards, personal checks, CashApp, and Zelle, with one victim mailing checks totaling over $162,000.

Between 2023 and March 2025, Odiboh defrauded four victims.
In December 2024, a victim attempted to send money for a fake customs fine.
Odiboh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in June 2026.
The federal court sentenced Odiboh in October 2026.

Legal Context

This case follows the pattern established by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center 2024 romance scam reporting statistics. It reflects an ongoing trend of federal prosecutions aimed at dismantling organized financial fraud networks that operate across state and international borders.

Residents should remain cautious when interacting with individuals online, especially those who request funds via gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps. Authorities recommend never sending money to someone met solely through social media, regardless of the emotional investment or the urgency of the persona's request.

The takeaway

Romance scams often rely on high-pressure tactics, such as claims of customs fines or emergency fees, to coerce victims into rapid payment. Always verify the identity of online contacts and be wary of requests for non-traditional payment methods like gift cards.