Former Social Security Administration Employee Accused of Stealing Over $116,000 in Disability Benefits

A former employee of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges related to a scheme to defraud the agency and steal disability benefits. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced the indictment of Najee Alexander Corbett, 37, of Baltimore, who is accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of government property, and making false statements. Corbett allegedly used his access to sensitive SSA databases, gained through his role as a customer service representative, to divert benefit payments for his own gain.

The indictment details that from February 2023 through April 2023, Corbett allegedly orchestrated a plan to defraud the SSA by targeting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants, particularly those diagnosed with mental health disorders. He is accused of altering claimant records within the SSA database to reroute their benefit payments to bank accounts he controlled and to his home address. Further, Corbett is alleged to have manipulated payment eligibility dates to generate back payments, which were then also directed to his personal accounts and mailed to his residence. This scheme allegedly resulted in Corbett fraudulently obtaining $116,537.62 in SSI disability payments, of which he is accused of retaining $71,304.62.

Individuals found guilty of these charges could face significant prison sentences. Specifically, wire fraud and mail fraud each carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Theft of government property could result in up to 10 years, while false statements carry a potential sentence of up to five years. A mandatory two-year consecutive sentence is required for aggravated identity theft convictions. Sentencing in federal cases is determined by a judge, who considers the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors, meaning actual sentences may be less than the maximum penalties.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, with U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland commending the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) for their work. Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the SSA-OIG’s Philadelphia Field Division was also involved. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon is prosecuting the federal case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland provides resources for reporting fraud on its website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland

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