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Case docket

United States v. Bernard Okojie — S.D. Ga., No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC

Bernard Okojie was indicted in 2022 on charges that, from about May 2020 to January 2021, he applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for companies he had made up (indictment, Dkt. 3). A jury convicted him on all three counts, including wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, in March 2023; on October 2, 2023 he was sentenced to 64 months in prison and $1,946,283.50 in restitution (jury verdict, Dkt. 103; judgment, Dkt. 123).

United States v. Bernard Okojie — S.D. Ga., No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC — 147 documents in the archive, dated June 9, 2022 to March 24, 2025.

Case facts

CourtU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
Docket numberNo. 4:22-cr-00084 — main docket · CourtListener docket 87222
Filings147 public filings
Filed2022-06-09 – 2025-03-24
Original PDFs146 of 147

Case summary

Bernard Okojie was prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division, No. 4:22-CR-84. The indictment states that beginning in or about May 2020 and continuing until in or about January 2021 he led a scheme to defraud the United States by submitting Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications to the Small Business Administration for non-existent companies. He pleaded not guilty and went to trial. The trial transcript records a unanimous verdict finding him guilty on Count 1, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Count 2, wire fraud, and Count 3, conspiracy to commit money laundering. A later filing records that judgment was entered on October 2, 2023 with restitution of $1,946,283.50 and a $300 special assessment.

Case at a glance

Defendant(s)Bernard Okojie
Court and docketU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division, No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC, cited in the transcript as 4:22-CR-84
DistrictSouthern District of Georgia prosecutions →
ProgramEconomic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The government also gave notice of intent to introduce evidence of uncharged EIDL and Paycheck Protection Program loans, and the jury's Count 3 finding refers to proceeds of fraud schemes involving COVID-19 programs
ChargesAs read from the verdict form: Count 1, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1349; Count 2, wire fraud, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 2; Count 3, conspiracy to commit money laundering, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)
Outcome and sentenceConvicted at trial on all three counts by unanimous jury verdict, published April 2023. A March 2025 filing records that a judgment in a criminal case was entered against him on October 2, 2023 ordering $1,946,283.50 in restitution and a $300 special assessment. The judgment itself, Doc. 123, is not among the filings on this page, and no term of imprisonment is readable from them
Status checked2026-09-23 · against DOJ press releases through 2026-09-22; court docket not yet read

What does the indictment allege?

That beginning in or about May 2020 and continuing until in or about January 2021 the defendant led a scheme to defraud the United States by submitting Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications to the Small Business Administration for non-existent companies, submitted in his own name and on behalf of companies.

What did the jury find?

Guilty as charged on Counts 1, 2 and 3. On Count 3 the jury further found that the objects of the conspiracy were to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the proceeds of fraud schemes involving COVID-19 programs, and to engage in monetary transactions.

What was ordered after trial?

An exhibit filed March 6, 2025 states that on October 2, 2023 a judgment in a criminal case was entered against the defendant in favor of the United States, sentencing him to pay $1,946,283.50 in restitution and a $300 special assessment.

46 applications, Versace trips and a toy poodle

As described at trial and in court documents, Bernard Okojie, 41, of McDonough, Georgia, filed at least 46 fraudulent applications for EIDL and PPP loans between April 2020 and May 2021, seeking more than $4.2 million for himself and others. The applications used information for companies that didn't exist. Funds from the nearly $2 million that Okojie and others received bought a home, vehicles, shopping trips to Versace, personal investments, and a toy poodle. (Source: Convicted COVID-19 fraudster sentenced to federal prison, ordered to repay stolen funds.)

Docket

147 documents in docket-entry order; attachments follow their entry. Gaps name the entries we do not have.

No. 4:22-cr-00084

  1. Indictment as to Bernard Okojie (1) count(s) 1, 2, 3 — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 3, S.D. Ga.)Entry 3
  2. Penalty Certification by Government as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 4, S.D. Ga.)Entry 4
  3. —Entries 5–7 are not in the archive
  4. Motion to Unseal Case by Jonathan Alan Porter — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 8, S.D. Ga.)Entry 8
  5. Order granting 8 Motion to Unseal Case as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 9, S.D. Ga.)Entry 9
  6. Rule 5(c)(3) Documents Received as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 10)Entry 10
  7. —Entry 11 is not in the archive
  8. Motion for Leave of Absence as to USA for dates of: July 11-15 — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 12, S.D. Ga.)Entry 12
  9. Text of Proposed Order — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 12-1, S.D. Ga.)Entry 12, attachment 1
  10. —Entries 13–14 are not in the archive
  11. Notice of Counsel's Post-Conviction Obligation Requirements as to Defendant Bernard OkojieEntry 15
  12. —Entry 16 is not in the archive
  13. Motion to Withdraw — AUSA Patrick Schwedler, United States of America v. Bernard Okojie, CR 422-084Entry 17
  14. Order Granting Government's Motion to Withdraw — USA v. Okojie (S.D. Ga.)Entry 18
  15. —Entry 19 is not in the archive
  16. Criminal Minutes — Initial Appearance / Arraignment — USA v. Okojie (S.D. Ga.)Entry 20
  17. Scheduling Order - Ends of Justice — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 21, S.D. Ga.)Entry 21
  18. Order Setting Conditions of Release as to Bernard Okojie (1) $10,000 secured — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 22, S.D. Ga.)Entry 22
  19. Secured Bond Entered as to Bernard Okojie in amount of $10,000 — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 23, S.D. Ga.)Entry 23
  20. Government's Notice of Its Intent to Introduce Evidence of Uncharged SBA Loans and Money LaunderingEntry 24
  21. Motion for Extension of Time to File Motions Unopposed by John J. — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 25, S.D. Ga.)Entry 25
  22. Order granting 25 Motion for Extension of Time to file pretrial motions — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 26, S.D. Ga.)Entry 26
  23. —Entries 27–28 are not in the archive
  24. Motion to Dismiss Counts One and Three and Corresponding Portions of The Forfeiture — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 29, S.D. Ga.)Entry 29
  25. Motion Rule 807 Residual Exception Disclosure by John J. Ossick, Jr — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 30, S.D. Ga.)Entry 30
  26. Motion for Disclosure of Information — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 31, S.D. Ga.)Entry 31
  27. Motion to Produce a Copy of Defendant's Statements — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 32, S.D. Ga.)Entry 32
  28. Motion for Notice of Intent to Use Evidence by John J. Ossick, Jr — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 33, S.D. Ga.)Entry 33
  29. Motion for Disclosure re Co-Conspirators' Hearsay Exceptions — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 34, S.D. Ga.)Entry 34
  30. Motion For a Hearing to Determine Voluntariness of Statements — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 35, S.D. Ga.)Entry 35
  31. Motion to Preserve Evidence by John J. Ossick, Jr — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 36, S.D. Ga.)Entry 36
  32. Motion for Disclosure of Substance of Promises or Plea Bargains — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 37, S.D. Ga.)Entry 37
  33. Motion for a Pretrial Hearing to Determine the Existence of any Conspiratorial AgreementsEntry 38
  34. Motion to Interview Government Informants Prior to Trial — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 39, S.D. Ga.)Entry 39
  35. Joint Motion to Continue Motions Hearing by John J. Ossick, Jr — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 40, S.D. Ga.)Entry 40
  36. Order granting the parties' 40 Motion to Continue the Motions Hearing — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 41, S.D. Ga.)Entry 41
  37. Motion for Reciprocal Discovery by Jonathan Alan Porter — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 42, S.D. Ga.)Entry 42
  38. Text of Proposed Order — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 42-1, S.D. Ga.)Entry 42, attachment 1
  39. United States' Combined Response to Defendant's Discovery and Other Pretrial Motions — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 43
  40. Response to Motion by Bernard Okojie re 42 Motion for Reciprocal Discovery — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 44, S.D. Ga.)Entry 44
  41. Status Report (Joint) by USA as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 45, S.D. Ga.)Entry 45
  42. Notice of Intent to Offer Self-Authenticating Records Pursuant to FRE 902 by USA — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 46, S.D. Ga.)Entry 46
  43. Exhibit A — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.1)Entry 46, attachment 1
  44. Exhibit B — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.2)Entry 46, attachment 2
  45. Exhibit C — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.3)Entry 46, attachment 3
  46. Exhibit D — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.4)Entry 46, attachment 4
  47. Exhibit E — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.5)Entry 46, attachment 5
  48. Exhibit F — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.6)Entry 46, attachment 6
  49. Exhibit G — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.7)Entry 46, attachment 7
  50. Exhibit H — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.8)Entry 46, attachment 8
  51. Exhibit I — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.9)Entry 46, attachment 9
  52. Exhibit J — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.10)Entry 46, attachment 10
  53. Exhibit K — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.11)Entry 46, attachment 11
  54. Exhibit L — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.12)Entry 46, attachment 12
  55. Exhibit M — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.13)Entry 46, attachment 13
  56. Exhibit N — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.14)Entry 46, attachment 14
  57. Exhibit O — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.15)Entry 46, attachment 15
  58. Exhibit P — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.16)Entry 46, attachment 16
  59. Exhibit Q — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.17)Entry 46, attachment 17
  60. Exhibit R — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.18)Entry 46, attachment 18
  61. Exhibit S — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.19)Entry 46, attachment 19
  62. Exhibit T — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.20)Entry 46, attachment 20
  63. Exhibit U — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.21)Entry 46, attachment 21
  64. Exhibit V — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.22)Entry 46, attachment 22
  65. Exhibit W — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.23)Entry 46, attachment 23
  66. Exhibit X — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.24)Entry 46, attachment 24
  67. Exhibit Y — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.25)Entry 46, attachment 25
  68. Exhibit Z — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.26)Entry 46, attachment 26
  69. Exhibit AA — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.27)Entry 46, attachment 27
  70. Exhibit BB — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.28)Entry 46, attachment 28
  71. Exhibit CC — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 46.29)Entry 46, attachment 29
  72. Clerk's Minutes — Hearing on Pretrial Motions (Motion to Dismiss Counts One and Three; Motion for Pretrial JamesEntry 47
  73. —Entry 48: main document not in the archive
  74. Motion Hearing — United States of America vs. Bernard Okojie (November 2, 2022)Entry 48, attachment 1
  75. Notice of Attorney Appearance — United States of America v. Bernard Okojie, Case No. 4:22-cr-084Entry 49
  76. Motion to Withdraw — Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Porter, United States of America v. Bernard OkojieEntry 50
  77. Order (Document 50-1): Motion to Withdraw by the United States of America — Bernard Okojie (Case 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC)Entry 50, attachment 1
  78. Order: Government's Motion to Withdraw — United States v. Bernard Okojie (Case No. 4:22-cr-84)Entry 51
  79. ORDER granting as unopposed Defendant's 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , and 42… — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 52)Entry 52
  80. Report and Recommendation the Court deny Defendant's 29 Motion to Dismiss Counts — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 53, S.D. Ga.)Entry 53
  81. Order directing the defense counsel to file any objections — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 54, S.D. Ga.)Entry 54
  82. Objection to Report and Recommendations 53 by Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 55, S.D. Ga.)Entry 55
  83. Response by Bernard Okojie re 24 Notice (Other) — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 56, S.D. Ga.)Entry 56
  84. Order Overruling Objections and Denying Motion to Dismiss — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 57
  85. Motion for Leave to File Late Response to Rule 404(b) Objections — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 58
  86. Exhibit A — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 58-1, S.D. Ga.)Entry 58, attachment 1
  87. Order granting 58 Motion for Leave to File Late Response as to Bernard Okojie (1) — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 59, S.D. Ga.)Entry 59
  88. Government's Reply to 56 Response in Objection to Governments 404(b) notice — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 60, S.D. Ga.)Entry 60
  89. Notice of Attorney Appearance — United States of America v. Bernard Okojie, Case No. 4:22-CR-84 (Document 61)Entry 61
  90. Clerk's Minutes — General (No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC, Doc. 62, filed 2023-02-17)Entry 62
  91. Criminal Trial Management Order — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 63, S.D. Ga.)Entry 63
  92. Motion Preference as to Jurors by John J. Ossick, Jr — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 64, S.D. Ga.)Entry 64
  93. NOTICE REGARDING JURY VENIRE by USA — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 65)Entry 65
  94. Clerk's Minutes — Evidentiary Hearing — USA v. Okojie (S.D. Ga.)Entry 66
  95. Notice of Supplemental Evidence Pertinent to Pending Motion — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 67, S.D. Ga.)Entry 67
  96. —Entry 68 is not in the archive
  97. ORDER directing Defendant to file a response to the Government's 67 Notice of Supplemental… — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 69)Entry 69
  98. MOTION to Seal Exhibits Admitted During Evidentiary Hearing by USA as to Bernard Okojie.… — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 70)Entry 70
  99. Order granting 70 Motion to Seal Exhibits Admitted During Evidentiary Hearing — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 71, S.D. Ga.)Entry 71
  100. MOTION to Seal Exhibits Admitted During Evidentiary Hearing by USA.… — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 72)Entry 72
  101. Order granting 72 Motion to Seal Exhibits Admitted During Evidentiary Hearing — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 73, S.D. Ga.)Entry 73
  102. —Entry 74 is not in the archive
  103. Motion in Limine by John J. Ossick, Jr as to Bernard Okojie. Responses due by 3/17/2023Entry 75
  104. Evidentiary Hearing Transcript (February 28, 2023) — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 76
  105. Motion to Seal Exhibits to Government's Motion in Limine — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 77, S.D. Ga.)Entry 77
  106. Order granting 77 Motion to Seal Seal Exhibits to Government's Motion in Limine — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 78, S.D. Ga.)Entry 78
  107. Motion in Limine by USA. Responses due by 3/21/2023. Referred to Judge Benjamin W. CheesbroEntry 79
  108. Proposed Verdict Form by Bernard Okojie — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 80)Entry 80
  109. Proposed Voir Dire by Bernard Okojie — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 81)Entry 81
  110. Request to Charge by Bernard Okojie — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 82)Entry 82
  111. Proposed Voir Dire by USA as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 83, S.D. Ga.)Entry 83
  112. Proposed Verdict Form by USA as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 84, S.D. Ga.)Entry 84
  113. Request to Charge by USA as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 85, S.D. Ga.)Entry 85
  114. Response by Bernard Okojie re 67 Notice (Other) — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 86, S.D. Ga.)Entry 86
  115. Response in Opposition by USA as to Bernard Okojie re 75 Motion in Limine — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 87, S.D. Ga.)Entry 87
  116. Response by USA as to Bernard Okojie re 82 Request to Charge — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 88, S.D. Ga.)Entry 88
  117. Response by Bernard Okojie re 85 Request to Charge by Government — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 89, S.D. Ga.)Entry 89
  118. Response by Bernard Okojie re 84 Proposed Verdict Form by Government — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 90, S.D. Ga.)Entry 90
  119. Response by Bernard Okojie re 79 Motion in Limine by Government — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 91, S.D. Ga.)Entry 91
  120. Notice of Intent to Offer Self-Authenticating Records by USA — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 92, S.D. Ga.)Entry 92
  121. Exhibit A — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 92.1)Entry 92, attachment 1
  122. Exhibit B — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 92.2)Entry 92, attachment 2
  123. Clerk's Minutes — General (No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC, Doc. 93, filed 2023-03-14)Entry 93
  124. —Entries 94–95 are not in the archive
  125. Notice Governments Citation of Authority — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 96, S.D. Ga.)Entry 96
  126. Special Verdict Form — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 96-1, S.D. Ga.)Entry 96, attachment 1
  127. Ordered that the Clerk for the Southern District of Georgia — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 97, S.D. Ga.)Entry 97
  128. Clerk's Minutes — General (No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC, Doc. 98, filed 2023-04-10)Entry 98
  129. Clerk's Minutes — General (No. 4:22-cr-00084-LGW-BWC, Doc. 99, filed 2023-04-10)Entry 99
  130. Clerk's Minutes - General — Jury Trial Day 3 — USA v. Okojie (S.D. Ga.)Entry 100
  131. —Entries 101–102 are not in the archive
  132. Jury Verdict as to Bernard Okojie Guilty on Count 1,2,3 — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 103, S.D. Ga.)Entry 103
  133. Exhibit List by USA as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 104, S.D. Ga.)Entry 104
  134. —Entry 105 is not in the archive
  135. Order — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 106
  136. MOTION for Leave of Absence as to USA for dates of :… — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 107)Entry 107
  137. Text of Proposed Order — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 107.1)Entry 107, attachment 1
  138. Jury Trial Transcript — Day 1 (March 28, 2023) — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 108
  139. Jury Trial Transcript — Day 2 (March 29, 2023) — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 109
  140. Jury Trial Transcript — Day 3: Closing Arguments, Jury Charge, and Verdict (March 30, 2023)Entry 110
  141. Motion for Leave of Absence — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 111, S.D. Ga.)Entry 111
  142. —Entry 112 is not in the archive
  143. MOTION for Leave of Absence as to USA for dates of :… — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 113)Entry 113
  144. Text of Proposed Order — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 113.1)Entry 113, attachment 1
  145. —Entries 114–117 are not in the archive
  146. Motion to Continue Sentencing Hearing by Jennifer Ashley Stanley — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 118, S.D. Ga.)Entry 118
  147. Text of Proposed Order — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 118.1)Entry 118, attachment 1
  148. Order granting re 118 Motion to Continue Sentencing Hearing — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 119, S.D. Ga.)Entry 119
  149. —Entry 120 is not in the archive
  150. Sentencing Memorandum by USA as to Bernard Okojie — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 121, S.D. Ga.)Entry 121
  151. Sentencing Minutes — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 122, S.D. Ga.)Entry 122
  152. Judgment in a Criminal Case — United States v. Bernard Okojie (S.D. Ga.)Entry 123
  153. —Entries 124–125 are not in the archive
  154. Notice of Post-Conviction Consultation Certification — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 126)Entry 126
  155. —Entries 127–130 are not in the archive
  156. Northern District of Georgia Arrest, Waiver, and Detention Packet — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 131
  157. Order Denying U.S. Probation's Petition as Moot — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 132
  158. Pro Se Motion for Reduction of Sentence Under U.S.S.G. § 4C1.1 — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 133
  159. Order Regarding Motion for Sentence Reduction Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(2) — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 134
  160. Government's Motion for Turnover Order — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 135
  161. Exhibit Declaration — USA v. Okojie (Dkt. 135-1, S.D. Ga.)Entry 135, attachment 1
  162. Text of Proposed Order — USA v. OKOJIE (Dkt. 135.2)Entry 135, attachment 2
  163. Order Granting the Government's Motion for Turnover Order — United States v. Bernard OkojieEntry 136

Documents without an entry number

    Court, dates and docket numbers are as recorded on the filings.

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