SON OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFICIARY PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - David James Massey, 39, of Pace, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to Theft of Government Funds. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: "Social Security Disability benefits provide support for the basic needs of elderly and disabled citizens, but this defendant took those monies to line his own pockets despite knowing he wasn't entitled to receive them. My office is committed to identifying and prosecuting this financial abuse, returning taxpayer dollars to the American people, and ensuring a just sentence for those who prey on these resources."

Court documents reflect that Massey's mother was a Social Security Administration (SSA) Title II beneficiary who received her benefits into a joint bank account she shared with her son, Massey. Massey's mother died in 2019, but he continued to receive and use her benefits for his own use. From the date of his mother's death in 2019 through August 2023, the SSA deposited over $118,000 into the joint account. Massey knew he was not entitled to the funds and failed to notify the SSA of his mother's death. Instead, Massey transferred the benefit payments from the joint account into multiple other accounts wherein he spent the money for his own personal use.

Massey faces up to ten years' imprisonment as a result of his actions. If Massey is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, such term could be followed by up to a 3-year term of supervised release. Thus, if Massey were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision. In accordance with his Plea Agreement, Massey will be required to pay back all funds he unlawfully stole from the SSA.

This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.