In a case of egregious exploitation of San Diego's most vulnerable, Charisse Elaine Alexander has pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, admitting to stealing government-issued checks intended for the unhoused while working she was working at the San Diego (Neil Good) Day Center for Homeless Adults, according to yesterday's Department of Justice press release from the Southern District of California. The admission details her involvement in the theft of 66 checks sent to individuals receiving their mail at the Center, which provided valuable support to this vulnerable community, and whose trust has now been tragically violated.
Alexander, aged 55, carried out this scheme alongside her then-boyfriend, using her access to the mailroom at the Center to steal mail containing checks sent by various government agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, and State of California. This reprehensible act affected at least 56 individuals, most of whom were unhoused and in dire financial straits, between April 2021 and January 2023.
The mechanics of this fraud were simple yet effective – Alexander would remove the checks from the Center's mailroom, divide them with her then-boyfriend, forge the intended recipient's signature, and deposit the checks into their respective bank accounts. They would then withdraw the stolen funds at ATM locations in California and Nevada, with many of the withdrawals taking place near or inside casinos. The total amount of stolen government money amassed by the couple was $73,466.43, a sum that would have provided much-needed assistance to the unfortunate victims.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman, addressing the case, stated, "This crime victimized dozens of individuals, many of whom may not know that they had their checks stolen," emphasizing the severity of the consequences faced by those who were dependent on these crucial funds and exemplifying the reprehensible nature of this crime as it impacted those who were already struggling.
Alexander's actions not only violated her position of trust within the Center but also wreaked havoc on the lives of individuals who are rarely able to access the help they need. Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, highlighted the severity of Alexander's actions, stating, "Ms. Alexander preyed upon a vulnerable community and her criminal actions deprived them of their vital Social Security benefits." As part of her plea agreement, Alexander has agreed to make full restitution for the money stolen by both her and her co-conspirator.
This case is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to ensuring that funds, in this case government-issued checks, reach their intended beneficiaries, and underscores the importance of holding accountable those who would bring harm to vulnerable communities. U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman acknowledged the efforts of the prosecution team and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, who played an essential role in uncovering and investigating the crime.
Charisse Elaine Alexander has been released on bail, with her sentencing hearing scheduled before U.S. District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz on October 12, 2023. In the meantime, if you or someone you know was receiving mail at the San Diego (Neil Good) Day Center for Homeless Adults between 2020 and 2023, and suspect that mail may have been stolen, contact the United States Attorney's Office at the number listed in the original press release or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271. The imperative to ensure that justice is served for these vulnerable individuals cannot be understated, as the theft of these funds has undoubtedly imperiled their already precarious situations.
