Bismarck Judge Sentences Ghanaian Man for Identity Theft
A 29-year-old man received a nine-month prison sentence for using a relative's credentials to secure illegal employment.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Immigration
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United States District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced 29-year-old Linford Atakora to nine months in prison for misusing a Social Security number. Atakora, a citizen of Ghana, used a relative's identity to obtain a job at a Bismarck business.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences of bypassing work authorization requirements through identity theft. The misuse of credentials resulted in over $51,000 in ineligible government claims.
Judge Hovland sentenced Atakora to nine months of imprisonment for the crime. The unauthorized employment led to Love & Care, Inc. processing $51,435.63 in ineligible Health and Human Service claims.
The players
Daniel L. Hovland
He is a United States District Court Judge who presided over the sentencing proceedings in Bismarck.
Linford Atakora
He is a 29-year-old citizen of the Republic of Ghana who was convicted of using stolen identity documents to work in the United States.
Love & Care, Inc.
This is a Bismarck-based business that unknowingly employed an individual using fraudulent credentials, leading to improper government billing.
The details
Atakora used a relative's driver's license, birth date, and Social Security number to complete tax forms and obtain employment at Love & Care, Inc. in Bismarck. Following the completion of his sentence, the court has ordered his removal from the United States to the Republic of Ghana.
Timeline
In March 2024, Atakora used a relative's credentials to obtain employment.
On October 20, 2026, Judge Hovland sentenced Atakora in federal court.
Political Context
The sentencing follows established enforcement protocols under the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding unauthorized employment. Critics of current immigration policies often argue that stricter workplace verification is needed to prevent the type of identity fraud seen in this case.
The use of fraudulent credentials to obtain employment can lead to significant financial liabilities for local businesses and potential service disruptions for clients. Residents and employers should remain vigilant regarding identity verification procedures to avoid legal complications.
The takeaway
Identity theft for employment purposes carries serious criminal penalties and results in federal deportation orders. Protecting your Social Security number and personal credentials is essential to prevent misuse by unauthorized individuals.
Further reading
For more on federal policy and legal proceedings, visit the Immigration section.
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