A St. Louis County man has entered a guilty plea for the theft of government funds that were intended for deceased relative. Yesterday, Alphonso Dixon, 57, was charged with one count of theft after admittedly siphoning benefits that were deposited in the account of a relative who passed away at the end of 2008.
Despite her passing, the Social Security Administration was not informed of the death, and her benefits, including a COVID-related stimulus payment released on April 7, 2021, as well as pension payments from the City of St. Louis Employees Retirement System, continued to be deposited. According to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dixon accessed the funds, orchestrating a scheme that enabled him to redirect money to his own use.
Dixon’s fraudulent activities amounted to over $115,000 from Social Security, a $1,400 stimulus payment, and an additional $36,000 in pension benefits. In total, the unauthorized access led to a significant sum of public funds being diverted for personal benefit, highlighting a troubling misuse of government resources intended for the support of the rightful beneficiary.
The case, investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll. Dixon is set for sentencing on August 21. The charge carries a hefty maximum penalty—up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
