Ghanaian Man Sentenced for Fraudulently Working under the Name and Social Security Number of a United States Citizen

BISMARCK - United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that Linford Atakora, age 29, from the Republic of Ghana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland to approximately 9 months' imprisonment for time already served in federal custody, on a felony charge of Misuse of a Social Security Number. Additionally, Judge Hovland issued an order removing Atakora from the United States to the Republic of Ghana.

According to court documents, in March 2024, Atakora fraudulently used the name, date of birth, and social security number of his relative - a United States citizen - to obtain employment at a home health agency. Atakora presented his relative's driver's license and social security card when he applied for employment at Love & Care, Inc., located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Atakora then fraudulently completed an IRS form W-4 Employee's Withholding Certificate and an employee information form. Atakora did not have a valid social security number and did not have authorization to work in the United States. Due to Atakora's misrepresentations, Love & Care, Inc. falsely received Health and Human Service ineligible units and claims totaling $51,435.63.

"This case serves as an important reminder to North Dakota workers and employers that working under another person's identity or social security number to circumvent immigration work requirements is a federal crime," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Chase. "Our office will continue to work with our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these types of offenses."

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division"). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan J. O'Konek.

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