Former Nike Diversity Manager Sentenced to Prison for $5 Million in Fraud

(Image: OneIndiaEnglish)

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Meta (Facebook) and Nike, pleaded guilty to a $5 million fraud case in December 2023 and was sentenced to prison for 5 years and 3 months this week.

In addition to her sentence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Furlow-Smiles to pay restitution of $121,054.50 to Nike and $4,981,783.58 to Meta-owned Facebook.

In conclusion, the court sentenced the following:

  • 5 years and 3 months imprisonment
  • 3 years of supervised release
  • Restitution od $5,102,838.08

During her time at Facebook from 2017-2021, Furlow-Smiles admitted to stealing over $4.9 million as part of the scheme to fund a “luxury lifestyle,” prosecutors said. After she was terminated from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles ran a similar scheme with Nike, where she worked from 2021-2023 and stole more than $100,000.

As Lead Strategist at Facebook, Furlow-Smiles’ employer put an extreme amount of trust in her, only to have that trust completely violated.

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.

Keri Farley, FBI Atlanta Special Agent

Furlow-Smiles is the latest major scandal at Nike in recent years with former marketing manager Errol Andam charged in a $1.5 million scheme and ex-VP of North America, Ann Hebert, stepping down from her role after it was revealed she was using her employee discount to help her son’s resale business.

“I blew it big time,” Furlow-Smiles admitted in a letter to the judge in her case.

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    Official Release Date for the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    The Boston Celtics’ season is unfolding just as they had envisioned, with only one loss to report and a striking 30 points per game average from their star player, Jayson Tatum.

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    As mentioned earlier, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” is set to launch on November 14th via Nike.com, available in sizes for the whole family. The adult versions will be priced at $125.

    For a closer look at this appealing colorway, check out the official images below, and make sure to keep an eye on our Sneakers page for updates.


    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    SKU: FZ6598-001

    RETAIL PRICE: $125

    RELEASE DATE: Nov 14, 2024

    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” (Images via: Nike)

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    Jason Kelce’s Field Goal Attempt In Timberlands Will End In A $100,000 Donation

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    Make sure to tune in to ESPN College GameDay on November 2nd, 2024, to witness this unique field goal attempt for yourself!

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    Notre and Vans Collaborate For the Rowley XLT “Linen”

    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

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    Be sure to check HQZ’s Sneakers page to stay updated on the latest happenings and drops in the sneaker world.


    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Colorway: Linen/Silver
    Style #: VN000D1GDPB1
    Release Date: November 15, 2024
    Price: $165

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” VN000D1GDPB1 (Images via: @oscar_castillo/Instagram)

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