r credit and hindering their ability to enroll in legitimate educational programs.

As part of his guilty plea, Finnih admitted to repeatedly using the personal identifying information of two specific victims over several years to fraudulently obtain federal financial aid.

More than $900K disbursed from fraudulent applications

In total, Finnih submitted fraudulent aid applications seeking more than $1.3 million in grants and loans. Of that amount, $921,189.08 was actually disbursed.

Finnih - originally from Nigeria and a naturalized U.S. citizen - was also formerly an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University. He pleaded guilty March 20 to theft of government funds, fraud, unlawful use or transfer of identity documents, and aggravated identity theft.

Prosecutors, investigators respond

U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz did not mince words in responding to the sentencing.

 Higher education costs are already skyrocketing out of control, and it's scammers like Finnih who make it worse, more expensive, and financially damaging for everyone,  Reitz said.  This fraudster will now suffer the consequences of his manipulative, deceitful, un-American crimes. 

Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Wingle of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General's Central Regional Office also weighed in.

 I am proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our law enforcement partners for shutting down another student aid fraud ring and holding Mr. Finnih accountable for his criminal actions,  Wingle said.  We will continue to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate education funds for their own selfish purposes. America's students and taxpayers deserve nothing less. 

The Department of Education's Office of Inspector General led the investigation with assistance from the Lone Star College Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad R. Gray prosecuted the case.

Finnih was permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined.