Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced to prison for orchestrating multi-million-dollar fraud schemes. Her elaborate tactics involved fake invoices and kickbacks, exploiting the very companies that trusted her.
Former Diversity Executive Sentenced
A former diversity program manager for Facebook and Nike has been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating kickback schemes that netted her $5 million. Barbara Furlow-Smiles, 38, received a five-year and three-month prison sentence.
Massive Restitution Ordered
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced that Furlow-Smiles must pay nearly $5 million in restitution to Meta-owned Facebook and over $120,000 to Nike. This significant financial penalty underscores the gravity of her fraud.
Abusing Trust at Facebook
Furlow-Smiles exploited her role as a DEI executive at Facebook to steal millions through fraudulent vendors and fake invoices. Her actions involved complex schemes, including cash kickbacks and fake service payments.
Continued Fraud at Nike
After being fired from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles took her fraudulent tactics to Nike. She managed to siphon off six-figure sums from Nike’s diversity program before her scheme was uncovered.
Leadership in DEI Programs
From January 2017 to September 2021, Furlow-Smiles led DEI initiatives at Facebook, overseeing significant operations and engagement programs. Her position gave her access to resources she later exploited for personal gain.
Elaborate Fraudulent Schemes
Prosecutors revealed that Furlow-Smiles linked company credit cards to personal PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App accounts. These accounts were used to pay friends and family for services never rendered, funneling money away from Facebook.
Transition to Nike
Following her termination from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles became a DEI senior director at Nike in November 2021. Her fraudulent activities continued, mirroring the schemes she had previously executed.
Breach of Trust
As a Lead Strategist at Facebook, Furlow-Smiles was entrusted with significant responsibilities. She violated this trust by engaging in fraudulent activities, betraying the company’s confidence.
Continued Deception
Despite her dismissal from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles brazenly continued her schemes at Nike. Her actions reflected a dangerous sense of impunity.
Consequences of Greed
Furlow-Smiles’ actions have led to severe legal consequences, including prison time and hefty restitution. Her career in DEI, once promising, is now overshadowed by her criminal activities.
Career in Tatters
Special agents emphasized the extent of her greed and the repercussions it brought. The lucrative career she once enjoyed is now a distant memory as she prepares to serve her prison sentence.
Federal Prison Awaits
Furlow-Smiles’ conviction serves as a stark warning about the consequences of fraudulent behavior. Her sentence and financial penalties highlight the seriousness of her crimes.
Final Verdict
Barbara Furlow-Smiles will spend over five years in federal prison, marking the end of her fraudulent endeavors. The restitution she must pay reflects the extensive damage she caused to her former employers.
