Linford Atakora, a 29-year-old man from Ghana, has been sentenced to approximately nine months in federal prison for using a relative’s identity to secure employment at a home health agency in Bismarck. U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland ordered the sentence, which includes credit for the time Atakora has already served in federal custody. In addition to the prison term, Judge Hovland also mandated that Atakora be removed from the United States to Ghana following his release, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Chase.
Court documents cited in the U.S. Attorney's release reveal that Atakora, who did not possess a valid Social Security number or authorization to work in the United States, applied for a job at Love & Care, Inc., a Bismarck-based home health agency, in March 2024. To obtain this employment, Atakora fraudulently used the personal information of a relative who is a U.S. citizen. This included presenting the relative’s name, birth date, and Social Security number as his own.
As part of the scheme, Atakora presented the relative’s driver’s license and Social Security card to Love & Care, Inc. He also completed an IRS employee withholding certificate and an employee information form, both of which contained fraudulent information based on the stolen identity. These misrepresentations were central to his ability to gain employment.
Federal prosecutors stated that Atakora’s deceit had direct financial repercussions for Love & Care, Inc. His employment under false pretenses resulted in the agency improperly receiving $51,435.63 in payments. These payments were specifically tied to ineligible Health and Human Services units and claims, highlighting the broader impact of identity fraud in such capacities.
Atakora was sentenced on a felony charge of misuse of a Social Security number. U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Chase issued a statement regarding the case, emphasizing its significance for the local workforce. Chase commented, "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."
The investigation into Atakora’s actions was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. The case was subsequently prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek.
