Ghanaian sentenced to nine months in U.S. for using relative’s identity to work, ordered deported

A 29-year-old Ghanaian national has been sentenced to approximately nine months in federal custody in the United States for fraudulently using a relative’s identity and Social Security number to obtain employment at a North Dakota home health agency, a scheme that led the federal government to pay more than $51,000 in ineligible claims.

Linford Atakora was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a felony charge of Misuse of a Social Security Number, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota . The sentence corresponds to time Atakora had already served in federal custody. Judge Hovland additionally issued a removal order directing that Atakora be returned to Ghana upon completion of proceedings .

The Scheme

According to court documents, in March 2024, Atakora used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of his relative—a U.S. citizen—to apply for a position at Love & Care, Inc., a home health agency located in Bismarck, North Dakota . He presented his relative’s driver’s license and Social Security card during the application process, then completed an IRS Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate and an employee information form using the same falsified details .

Atakora did not possess a valid Social Security number and had no authorization to work in the United States . As a direct result of his misrepresentations, Love & Care, Inc. falsely received Health and Human Services ineligible units and claims totaling $51,435.63 .

Federal Warning

U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Chase used the sentencing to issue a direct warning to employers and workers across North Dakota. “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,” Chase said. “Our office will continue to work with our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these types of offenses” .

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek . It forms part of a broader federal push against identity fraud involving public funds, following the Department of Justice’s April 7 announcement of the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division .

For Atakora, the sentence closes a case that began with a job application built on a family member’s stolen identity. The removal order ensures his return to Ghana after completing his custodial term.