A man from St. Louis County, Missouri has admitted to stealing government benefits intended for a deceased relative. Alphonso Dixon, 57, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of theft of government money.
The case involves the death of Dixon's relative on December 31, 2008. Her passing was not reported to the Social Security Administration, allowing her Social Security benefits to continue being deposited into her bank account. Additionally, she received at least one COVID-related stimulus payment on April 7, 2021, along with pension benefits from the City of St. Louis Employees Retirement System. Dixon accessed these funds for personal use.
In total, Dixon took $115,392 in Social Security benefits, a $1,400 stimulus payment, and $36,000 in pension money.
Dixon is set to be sentenced on August 21. The charge he faces carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is handling the prosecution.
