A Southfield man, Jerome Antwan Andrews, pled guilty on Apr. 16 to possessing fake identification documents and equipment used in a scheme that caused more than $550,000 in fraud losses, according to United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address identity theft and fraudulent document production schemes that impact individuals and public programs.
According to the plea agreement, Andrews admitted 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. Prosecutors said Andrews’s business involved creating and selling counterfeit social security cards and driver’s licenses using real identities.
If convicted at sentencing before United States District Judge Terrance G. Berg, Andrews faces up to 15 years in prison as well as a fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss.
“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 added: “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.”
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Department of Labor — Office of Inspector General; Wayne County Airport Authority Police Department; United States Secret Service Southeast Michigan Financial Crimes Task Force; with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Craig Welkener.
