Bismarck Man Accused of Taking $1.8 Million in Government Fraud Case

Isaac Afoakwa. (Courtesy of Burleigh Morton Detention Center via the North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – Bismarck man who formerly ran for mayor of the city has been accused in state and federal court of defrauding public assistance programs of more than $1.8 million.

Isaac Osei Afoakwa, a 55-year-old businessman and pastor, has been charged with six counts of federal wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, two counts of preparing and presenting false tax returns and three counts of making false statements relating to a health care benefit program. All 12 counts are felonies. Afoakwa has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In a separate criminal case in Burleigh County District Court, Afoakwa faces a felony charge of first offense Medicaid fraud in excess of $50,000. His business, Bismarck Transportation Services, faces the same criminal charge.

A lawyer representing him in both the state and federal cases declined to comment.