A man who falsely claimed to live in San Diego was indicted last week for allegedly stealing nearly $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits for the better part of a decade.
Andre Lorenzo Jackson, 58, aka” “Andre the Player Jackson,” faces 10 charges of defrauding the Social Security Administration by concealing his residency in Germany.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Jackson, who prosecutors believe is still living in Billigheim, Germany.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is reserved for the elderly, blind or disabled who have little to no income. The recipient is also required to live in the United States.
Jackson began concealing his extensive travel in 2005 in order to keep receiving SSI benefits he started claiming in 1986.
While collecting monthly SSI payments, Jackson traveled abroad extensively and promoted himself through social media as a professional athlete, entertainer and musician, prosecutors said. Jackson received the SSI payments in a U.S. bank account and withdrew them through ATMs or debit card transactions.
“Jackson is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars intended to help our country’s most vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Braverman. “Individuals who abuse the trust and generosity of federal programs will be brought to account.”
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“Supplemental Security Income provides a lifeline for the elderly and disabled located within the United States. Because foreign residency fraud takes resources from this vital program and steals directly from the American taxpayer, the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General vigorously investigates allegations of residency fraud. My office is pleased to see charges brought in this case, and grateful that the U.S. Attorney’s Office shares our determination to protect the integrity of this vital income security program,” said Robb Stickley, Special Agent in Charge of the Inspector General’s Office of Investigations in San Francisco.
The case was investigated by the San Diego division of the Social SSA, Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti, both of the SSA’s Office of General Counsel.
If found guilty, Jackson could face up to 30 years in prison.
