December 19, 2023 - SAN DIEGO – Alexandra Crystal Jackson was sentenced in federal court on Monday to 31 months in prison for using the personal information of others to obtain Economic Impact Payments from the IRS and benefit payments from California’s Employment Development Department and spending the proceeds on luxury goods.

Jackson pleaded guilty on September 21, 2023.  In her plea agreement, Jackson admitted that she collected personal information from homeless and low-income individuals as well as detainees at local detention facilities. She admitted she used the information to apply for Economic Impact Payments, commonly referred to as “stimulus checks,” and directed payments to bank accounts she controlled. Jackson also admitted to using the information to apply for benefit payments from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), and to receiving at least 40 EDD debit cards in the names of others.  Jackson used the EDD debit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs and to pay for jewelry, furniture, and a Mercedes-Benz G-Glass 550 SUV that the IRS seized.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel also ordered Jackson to pay restitution and entered a preliminary forfeiture order for the Mercedes-Benz. 

Jackson’s co-defendant, Demetrius Montre McFarland, previously admitted he provided Jackson with the personal information of his fellow detainees at the Vista Detention Center. McFarland entered a guilty plea on December 11, 2023, and his sentencing hearing is set for March 5, 2024.

“These government programs were meant to help California residents get through the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “They were not intended as a get-rich-quick scheme for criminals who want a Mercedes.”

“Taking advantage of some of our communities’ most vulnerable adults and conspiring with your spouse to line your pockets is deplorable,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “The Economic Impact Payments were meant to help our communities during a time of crisis. Ms. Jackson and her husband abused the system and now Ms. Jackson will have time to reflect on her actions.  IRS:CI is committed to identifying and investigating these types of schemes which includes the seizure of any assets purchased with funds stolen from these relief programs.  We are dedicated to bringing justice to our communities affected by these types of schemes.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric R. Olah and Joseph Orabona.

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23-CR-1098-GPC                                         

Alexandra Crystal Jackson                                   Age: 32                                    San Diego, CA

Demetrius Montre McFarland                              Age: 31                                    San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy–Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371

Maximum penalty:  Five years in prison and $250,000 fine

AGENCY

Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation
Source: DOJ Release