United States of America v. Linford Atakora

Bismarck, North Dakota, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with misuse of a social security number in violation of 42 U.S.C. 408.

Linford Atakora, age 29, from the Republic of Ghana, 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.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 9 months' imprisonment for time already served and was ordered deported.