Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A Southfield man pled guilty on Apr. 16 to possessing fake identification documents and equipment used in a scheme that caused more than $500,000 in fraud losses, according to United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
The case highlights the significant impact of identity theft crimes on both individuals and public programs, with authorities emphasizing their ongoing efforts to combat such fraudulent activities.
Jerome Antwan Andrews, age 41, admitted in his plea agreement to having social security numbers and driver’s license information for over 250 people. He also possessed an identification card printer, embosser, laminator, and card cutter. According to the plea agreement, Andrews’ business model involved creating and selling fake social security cards and driver’s licenses using real people’s information. The fraudulent conduct resulted in more than $550,000 in losses.
Authorities said Andrews faces up to 15 years in prison as well as a fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss. Sentencing will take place before United States District Judge Terrance G. Berg.
“My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to dismantling the networks that allow fraudsters like Mr. Andrews to flourish,” U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said. “We will aggressively prosecute identity theft and fraud.”
Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit said: “Identity theft causes lasting harm to innocent victims and fraudulent identification documents undermine the security of our communities... HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these criminal operations and protect Americans from these schemes.”
Anthony P. D'Esposito, Inspector General for the U.S Department of Labor Office of Inspector General stated: “Jerome Antwan Andrews and his criminal associates stole more than $1.5 million by submitting hundreds of fraudulent claims to a pandemic program intended to help unemployed American workers... Today’s conviction of Andrews represents yet another attack in our war against fraud... If you try to game the system, we will investigate you and hold you accountable.”
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations along with the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; additional assistance came from Wayne County Airport Authority Police Department and United States Secret Service Southeast Michigan Financial Crimes Task Force.
