WILMINGTON, USA-- A man was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison after stealing hundreds of identities to collect false tax refunds.

Forty-year-old Richard Adjei was sentenced yesterday in Wilmington. He pleaded guilty in November to aggravated identity theft and fraud charges.

Authorities said an accomplice who worked at New Castle hospital billing service gave Adjei the names and Social Security numbers of more than 400 patients at midwest hospitals. Adjei collected more than $300,000 in the refund scam.

Adjei is a native of Ghana and became a U.S. citizen in 2005. The alleged accomplice, Linda Williams, has been indicted in the case.