Akeatha Diane Akintola has been sentenced to five months in prison for stealing over $17,000 in Social Security benefits meant for a vulnerable autistic child in her care as a social worker

A United States-based Nigerian social worker, Akeatha Diane Akintola, was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment by a federal court in Washington State on Tuesday 15 July 2026 after she pleaded guilty to stealing more than $17,000 in Social Security survivor benefits intended for a disabled child under her professional care.

The 48-year-old, who worked for the Snoqualmie Tribe, unlawfully diverted $17,638 meant for a minor with intellectual disabilities after appointing herself as the child’s representative payee, in violation of tribal rules prohibiting social workers from taking on such roles.

Akintola was taken into custody immediately following the hearing before Magistrate Judge Kate Vaughan, who expressed dismay at the exploitation of a vulnerable victim.

The theft came to light in July 2024 when benefits went missing, prompting an investigation that revealed Akintola had redirected the funds into her personal bank account and spent them on everyday expenses.

A representative of the Snoqualmie Tribe told the court that Akintola had abused the trust placed in her. “In our profession, a social worker is meant to be a safekeeper.

A protector for children who have been stripped of their safety, family, and stability,” the representative said.

“Ms Akintola did not just fail in that duty; she weaponised her position of power to systematically steal from a grieving, autistic child. This money was not a luxury. It was a lifeline.”

Akintola had applied for the payee role in September 2023 using the child’s details shortly after the child’s mother died.

She resigned from her position the day after being confronted and later failed to appear for an earlier hearing, having travelled to Togo under a different name before returning for sentencing.

Judge Vaughan ordered Akintola to pay full restitution of $17,638 to the Social Security Administration and barred her from ever serving as a representative payee again.

The case highlights the critical safeguards in place to protect benefits for vulnerable individuals, particularly children in tribal care systems, and the severe consequences when those safeguards are breached.

This unfortunate incident has drawn attention to the responsibilities of social workers handling public funds and the need for stricter oversight in representative payee appointments.

Akintola’s actions, prosecutors noted, caused significant harm to a child already dealing with the loss of a parent and living with autism.