MINEOLA, N.Y. — A New Jersey man has been extradited from Colorado to Nassau County after allegedly failing to appear for sentencing in a fraud case tied to a $77,500 loss, prosecutors said Monday.
Ekufia Osokam, 48, was arraigned April 13 before Judge Helene Gugerty on a charge of bail jumping in the second degree, an E felony. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded. Osokam is due back in court on June 5, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 1 1/3 to four years in prison.
According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Osokam previously faced charges stemming from a financial scheme dating back to 2022.
Fraud Scheme and Grand Larceny Case
Prosecutors said a Massapequa attorney was hired by an individual using the name “Paul Gam” to assist with the purchase of medical equipment. On Oct. 5, 2022, the attorney received a cashier’s check for $84,620, which included funds for the purchase and a retainer fee.
After depositing the check, the attorney transferred $77,500 the next day to another account, following instructions from “Paul Gam.” The bank later determined the original check was fraudulent, leaving the attorney with a loss of $77,500.
Authorities said financial records traced the transferred funds to an account linked to Osokam, who allegedly withdrew the money.
Osokam was indicted in October 2023 on a charge of grand larceny in the second degree, a class C felony.
Plea Agreement and Failure to Appear
On April 9, 2024, Osokam pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of grand larceny in the fourth degree. As part of the agreement, he was required to pay $50,000 in restitution within six months or face a prison sentence of one to three years.
Prosecutors said Osokam paid only $10,000 and was scheduled to return for sentencing on Oct. 15, 2024. He failed to appear, prompting a warrant for his arrest.
A grand jury later indicted him in October 2025 on the bail jumping charge.
Arrest in Colorado
Authorities located Osokam after he applied for a job as a corrections officer in Colorado in late 2025. During a background check, the Colorado Department of Corrections flagged his outstanding warrant and contacted Nassau County police.
Osokam was arrested by Colorado law enforcement on March 20, 2026, and extradited to Nassau County on April 12.
District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said the defendant attempted to avoid accountability after failing to meet the terms of his plea agreement.
Legal Stakes and Next Steps
The bail jumping charge adds to Osokam’s existing criminal exposure tied to the underlying fraud case. If convicted, he faces a state prison sentence in addition to potential penalties related to the original larceny case.
The case is being prosecuted by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Major Financial Frauds Bureau.
Osokam remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Photo: NCPD.
