Tampa man found guilty of fraud and theft of government property

TAMPA, Florida — A federal jury has found Kellis Dion Jackson, 63, of Pinellas Park, guilty of making a false statement to a federal agency, theft of government property, and fraudulent use of a Social Security number.

Jackson, also known as Chandler Dante Alexander, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, according to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that Jackson stole Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits from the Social Security Administration while on federal supervision for prior offenses. Before applying for SSI, Jackson obtained a Social Security number under the fictional identity of Chandler Dante Alexander by falsely reporting that he had never had a Social Security number and providing false information regarding his birthdate and parents.

Jackson used the fraudulently obtained Social Security number to acquire a commercial driver license, work, file tax returns, get married, and open bank accounts. He later applied for SSI and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits using his birth name and valid Social Security number. Jackson made false statements on the SSI application and related documents, including falsely stating that he was not married, and his application was approved.

Jackson’s SSI application would not have been approved had he reported his marriage and work activity under the fraudulently obtained Social Security number. In total, Jackson received $43,755 in SSI benefits to which he was not entitled.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.