Ghana man staying in Dickinson gets 2 years in prison for identity theft

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A judge sentenced a Ghana man who stole another’s identity and lived in Dickinson, to two years in prison, and another two of supervised release, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of North Dakota Monday.

Ashalley Kotey, 29, pleaded guilty and was sentenced for aggravated identity theft, using an unlawfully issued immigration document and possession of a counterfeit immigration document. Kotey was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund, according to the release.

While living in the African nation of Ghana, Kotey obtained a passport in the name of a U.S. citizen and entered the country through New York’s JFK airport in 2010. He eventually made his way to Dickinson, according to the release.

While in Dickinson, he obtained employment using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of another individual.

The Dickinson Police Department discovered that he was in possession of the counterfeit passport, a counterfeit employment authorization card and other fake documents.

The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations discovered his identity.

Tags: news, ghana, dickinson, local