Christina Daniels, a former employee of the Social Security Administration (SSA), admitted guilt in federal court to charges of theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “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.”
Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Inspector General, commented on the situation: “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.”
The court heard that between January 2023 and May 2024, Daniels used her role at the SSA office in Norcross, Georgia, to alter direct deposit details for about 28 beneficiaries. This allowed her to divert over $110,000 into accounts she controlled.
Daniels set up Green Dot and Cash App accounts using stolen personal information from unwitting beneficiaries. She then changed their direct deposit details so funds would be redirected into these new accounts.
An internal investigation began after several retirement beneficiaries reported missing payments. Investigations revealed Daniels had manipulated direct deposit information for approximately 28 individuals and redirected benefits into accounts opened with stolen personal data.
Daniels pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft with a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence. Sentencing will take place before United States District Judge J.P. Boulee at a later date.
The case is being investigated by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane C. Schulman.
For more details, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6185.
