Ex-Facebook DEI Manager Sentenced to Prison for $5 Million Fraud Scheme. A former DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) executive at Facebook and Nike, Barbara Furlow-Smiles, has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing over $5 million from the two companies.
Furlow-Smiles, 38, was convicted of orchestrating a scheme involving fraudulent vendors, fictitious paperwork, and cash kickbacks to steal $4.9 million from Facebook and over $120,000 from Nike.
According to the Justice Department, Furlow-Smiles used her position as a DEI executive at Facebook to steal millions of dollars from the company. She paid friends, relatives, and associates for goods and services using company credit cards and payment platforms. She also used the stolen money to fund a “luxury lifestyle” in California, Georgia, and Oregon.
After being terminated from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles continued the fraud as a DEI leader at Nike, where she stole another six-figure sum from their diversity program. At Nike, she linked her company card to her personal PayPal and Venmo accounts and made up fake expenses for a Juneteenth event to submit fraudulent payment claims.
“Furlow-Smiles shamelessly violated her position of trust as a DEI executive at Facebook to steal millions from the company utilizing a scheme involving fraudulent vendors, fake invoices, and cash kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.
Furlow-Smiles was aided in the scheme by nannies and babysitters, a hair stylist, and her university tutor. She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution for the funds she stole.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Furlow-Smiles shamelessly violated her position of trust as a DEI executive at Facebook to steal millions from the company… After being terminated from Facebook, she brazenly continued the fraud as a DEI leader at Nike, where she stole another six-figure sum from their diversity program.”
FBI agent Keri Farley added, “After she was fired, she carelessly continued her fraudulent schemes at Nike, thinking she was untouchable. As a result, she not only threw away a lucrative career, but will serve time behind bars for her excessive greed.”
The sentencing comes as DEI programs have come under scrutiny at universities and corporations across the country. The case highlights the importance of accountability and oversight in these programs to prevent abuse and fraud.
DEI programs have been implemented in various institutions to promote diversity and inclusion, but some have raised concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of these programs. This case serves as a warning to those who would exploit these programs for personal gain.
Furlow-Smiles’ actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in her as a DEI executive. Her actions not only harmed the companies she worked for but also undermined the legitimacy of DEI programs as a whole.
The case also raises questions about the vetting process for DEI executives and the lack of oversight in these programs. How could someone with a history of fraudulent behavior be hired and promoted to a position of trust?
The sentencing of Furlow-Smiles serves as a reminder that there will be consequences for those who engage in fraudulent behavior, regardless of their position or title. It is essential for institutions to prioritize accountability and transparency in their DEI programs to prevent similar cases in the future.
