Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) executive for Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing $5 million to fund her lavish lifestyle. The sentence was handed down in a federal court in Seattle, where Furlow-Smiles pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges.
Furlow-Smiles, who was responsible for promoting diversity and inclusion at two of the world's most influential companies, used her position to defraud both Facebook and Nike of millions of dollars. She did this by submitting fraudulent invoices for DEI events that were never held, and then funneling the money into her personal bank accounts.
In one particularly egregious instance, Furlow-Smiles claimed the funds she was stealing were needed for a 'Juneteenth' event, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This event, which was never held, was intended to celebrate and promote racial equality, a cause Furlow-Smiles was supposed to champion in her role as a DEI executive.
The money she stole was used to fund a lifestyle that was far from the values she was supposed to uphold. Furlow-Smiles spent the money on luxury cars, designer clothes, and high-end real estate. Her actions not only betrayed the trust of her employers, but also the communities she was supposed to serve.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Nick Brown said, "Ms. Furlow-Smiles betrayed the trust of her employers and the communities they serve. She used her position to steal millions of dollars for her own personal gain. This sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes and the harm she caused."
The case has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and accountability in corporate DEI initiatives. It also serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of power and influence can fall prey to greed and corruption.
Furlow-Smiles' sentence includes a five-year prison term, followed by three years of supervised release. She is also required to pay restitution to Facebook and Nike for the full amount stolen.
As the dust settles on this scandal, it leaves behind a trail of questions about the effectiveness of corporate DEI initiatives and the need for greater transparency and accountability in their implementation.
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