Christina Daniels, a former employee of the Social Security Administration (SSA), has admitted to charges of theft of government property and aggravated identity theft in federal court. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, who emphasized the breach of trust involved in this case.
"As an employee of the Social Security Administration, Daniels was entrusted with access to millions of beneficiaries’ personally identifiable information. She abused that trust by accessing sensitive information and using it to steal from the very people she was hired to serve," stated Hertzberg. He further affirmed his office's commitment to prosecuting such offenses thoroughly.
Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Inspector General, expressed similar sentiments: "Social Security Administration (SSA) employees are entrusted in serving the people - not abusing their important position by stealing money from the people that they are meant to serve to line their own pockets."
Daniels' fraudulent activities took place between January 2023 and May 2024 at the SSA office in Norcross, Georgia. During this period, she altered direct deposit details for approximately 28 beneficiaries, redirecting over $110,000 into accounts she controlled through Green Dot and Cash App platforms.
The scheme came to light following reports from several retirement beneficiaries about missing monthly payments. Investigations revealed that Daniels had manipulated direct deposit information using stolen personal data from unsuspecting beneficiaries.
Daniels has pleaded guilty to one count each of theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. The former charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment while the latter mandates a consecutive two-year sentence. Her sentencing will be determined by United States District Judge J.P. Boulee based on non-binding United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation is being conducted by the SSA's Office of the Inspector General with Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane C. Schulman handling prosecution duties.
For more details, contact can be made with the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6185.
