Man Indicted for Stealing Almost $100,000 in Social Security Disability Payments

Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey D. Hill (619) 546-7924 or Lisa J. Sanniti (619) 546-8811

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 17, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Andre Lorenzo Jackson, aka “Andre The Player Jackson,” was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of stealing almost $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits by concealing his residency in Germany for almost a decade.  An arrest warrant has been issued for Jackson, who authorities believe is still living in Germany.

In order to be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income – a program designed to provide a floor of income for the aged, blind or disabled who have little or no income or resources – an individual must reside within the United States of America.  As alleged in the ten-count indictment returned last week, Jackson started defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) in February 2005 by falsely claiming to reside in San Diego, California, and concealing his extensive foreign travel, in order to continue collecting Supplemental Security Income he started receiving in 1986.  While collecting monthly Supplemental Security Income payments, Jackson traveled abroad extensively and promoted himself through social media as a professional athlete, entertainer, and musician.

According to the indictment, Jackson fraudulently represented to the SSA on numerous occasions that he continued to be eligible to receive these benefits.  During the decade he fraudulently received benefits into a United States bank account, Jackson would withdraw the funds using ATMs or debit card transactions to pay for his personal expenses.

“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.”

“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.

This case was investigated by the San Diego division of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Hill and Lisa Sanniti, both of the Social Security Administration’s Office of General Counsel. 

DEFENDANT                       Case Number 18-cr-4055

Andre Lorenzo Jackson          Age: 58           Billigheim, Germany

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1343

Maximum penalties: 20 years’ custody; 3 years’ supervised release; $250,000 fine; restitution; forfeiture.

Theft of Public Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 641

Maximum penalties: 10 years’ custody; 3 years’ supervised release; $250,000 fine; restitution; forfeiture.

Investigating Agency

Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General

*The charges and allegations in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.