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Brooklyn

Former Nonprofit Employee Charged in Adoption Fraud Scheme

John Olufemi allegedly used forged signatures to approve adoption documents in Brooklyn.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a brass notary stamp against a deep red background, representing institutional and procedural integrity.
John Olufemi, 66, was arraigned in Brooklyn on felony charges for allegedly using forged executive stamps and his notary seal to approve fraudulent adoption paperwork. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Authorities arraigned 66-year-old John Olufemi on felony charges for allegedly falsifying adoption paperwork. Investigators claim he used a forged executive signature stamp and his own notary seal to certify fraudulent documents.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns regarding the integrity of sensitive adoption filings managed by nonprofits funded by the Administration for Children's Services. The alleged forgery calls into question the legitimacy of documents processed during the two-year period Olufemi utilized the unauthorized stamps.

John Olufemi faces two felony charges of offering a false instrument for filing and issuing a false certificate. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of up to four years.

The players

John Olufemi

The 66-year-old defendant is a former employee of Heart Share St. Vincents who faces felony charges for alleged document forgery.

Heart Share St. Vincents

This nonprofit organization receives funding from the Administration for Children's Services and terminated the defendant in 2024.

Administration for Children's Services

This public agency provides the government funding that supports the operational activities of Heart Share St. Vincents.

The details

Prosecutors allege that between July 2022 and April 2024, Olufemi systematically used an executive's rubber signature stamp to approve paperwork without consent. He then reportedly leveraged his position as a notary public to certify these documents, providing them with a veneer of official legitimacy.

Timeline

  1. John Olufemi began employment at Heart Share St. Vincents in March 2004.

  2. The alleged fraudulent documents were created from July 1, 2022, through April 30, 2024.

  3. The nonprofit fired John Olufemi in August 2024.

  4. Authorities arrested and charged John Olufemi on September 23, 2026.

  5. A court appearance for John Olufemi is scheduled for February 2, 2027.

Legal Context

The charges align with standard prosecution patterns under the New York State Penal Law regarding offering a false instrument for filing. This case highlights how administrative oversight is used to combat internal document fraud within social service institutions.

The investigation may prompt increased auditing or security requirements for paperwork processed by nonprofits in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Residents with concerns about specific adoption records may need to contact relevant agencies for verification.

The takeaway

Maintaining strict internal controls over signature stamps and notary tools is essential for any agency handling sensitive legal documents. Organizations must ensure that access to official verification instruments is restricted to prevent unauthorized use by personnel.

What happens next

John Olufemi is scheduled to appear in court for further proceedings on February 2, 2027.

Further reading

For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Financial Crime section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily News.

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