Missouri Man Charged with Social Security Disability Fraud

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri:

Everett James, 60, of St. Louis County, Missouri, has been indicted on charges of Social Security fraud, making false statements and theft of government funds.

The indictment alleges that James started part-time employment with the City of Kinloch Police Department in September 2013. In November and December 2013, James worked an average of 32 hours per month. In January 2014, his hours increased to 124 hours per month. In December 2013, James began working a second part-time job as a guard with a private security company.

In December 2013, James filed an application for disability benefits claiming that he had not worked since October 16, 2013, as a result of a disabling medical condition. When interviewed by a representative of the Social Security Administration (SSA), James advised he was only working 24 hours per week for the City of Kinloch, and did not mention his work with the security company. On reports that James filed with SSA, he stated his disability affected, among other things, lifting, walking, understanding and hearing.

Social Security evaluates the amount of monthly income an individual could earn through their activities in order to determine if a person is eligible for such benefits.

An investigation conducted by SSA starting in late 2016 revealed not only the above-referenced employment, but employment with other police agencies as well.

If convicted, James faces up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both per count on the false statements (counts 1 and 2) and Social Security program fraud charges (count 3). On the charge of theft of government funds (counts 4-7), he faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $250,000 or both per count. Restitution to the Social Security Administration is mandatory.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Adminstration-Office of Inspector General.  Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Everett James, 60, of St. Louis County, Missouri, has been indicted on charges of Social Security fraud, making false statements and theft of government funds.

The indictment alleges that James started part-time employment with the City of Kinloch Police Department in September 2013. In November and December 2013, James worked an average of 32 hours per month. In January 2014, his hours increased to 124 hours per month. In December 2013, James began working a second part-time job as a guard with a private security company.

In December 2013, James filed an application for disability benefits claiming that he had not worked since October 16, 2013, as a result of a disabling medical condition. When interviewed by a representative of the Social Security Administration (SSA), James advised he was only working 24 hours per week for the City of Kinloch, and did not mention his work with the security company. On reports that James filed with SSA, he stated his disability affected, among other things, lifting, walking, understanding and hearing.

Social Security evaluates the amount of monthly income an individual could earn through their activities in order to determine if a person is eligible for such benefits.

An investigation conducted by SSA starting in late 2016 revealed not only the above-referenced employment, but employment with other police agencies as well.

If convicted, James faces up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both per count on the false statements (counts 1 and 2) and Social Security program fraud charges (count 3). On the charge of theft of government funds (counts 4-7), he faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $250,000 or both per count. Restitution to the Social Security Administration is mandatory.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Adminstration-Office of Inspector General.  Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.