A United States federal court has sentenced Linford Atakora, a 29-year-old Ghanaian, to time served—approximately nine months in federal custody—for fraudulently using a US citizen’s identity and Social Security number to obtain employment.
According to a statement issued by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota on October 20, 2026, US Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland imposed the sentence on a felony charge of misuse of a Social Security number. The judge also ordered Atakora’s removal from the United States to Ghana.
Use of a Relative’s Identity
Court documents indicate that, in March 2024, Atakora used the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a relative who is a US citizen to secure employment at Love and Care, Inc., a home health agency in Bismarck, North Dakota.
During the application process, he presented his relative’s driver’s licence and Social Security card. He also fraudulently completed an Internal Revenue Service Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate and an employee information form.
The US Attorney’s Office stated that Atakora did not have a valid Social Security number or authorisation to work in the United States. According to the statement, his misrepresentations resulted in Love and Care, Inc. receiving Health and Human Services ineligible units and claims totalling **US$51,435.63**.
Federal Authorities Emphasise Legal Consequences
Commenting on the case, Mr Chase warned that using another person’s identity to evade employment requirements constitutes a federal offence.
“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,” he said.
He added that his office would continue working with state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute such offences.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek.
The statement also referenced the Department of Justice’s April 7 announcement establishing the National Fraud Enforcement Division, which investigates and prosecutes fraud against the American people.
Atakora’s sentencing highlights the legal consequences of misusing identity documents and Social Security numbers to obtain employment without authorisation.
