Southfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fake ID Scam

Jerome Antwan Andrews admitted to running a document mill that produced fraudulent Social Security cards and driver's licenses.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a counterfeit Social Security card or driver's license, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty nature of the crime.A harsh, close-up view of the tools of the trade used in a large-scale identity theft and document fraud scheme that targeted pandemic relief funds.Southfield Today

A 41-year-old Southfield, Michigan man named Jerome Antwan Andrews has pleaded guilty to running a scheme that produced and sold fake Social Security cards and driver's licenses. Prosecutors say Andrews had personal data for over 250 people and that the scam resulted in more than $550,000 in fraud losses, including through the filing of fraudulent unemployment claims.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of identity theft and document fraud, which has become an increasingly common issue during the pandemic as criminals seek to exploit government relief programs. The guilty plea also demonstrates the serious legal consequences individuals can face for these types of crimes.

The details

According to authorities, Andrews admitted to owning specialized equipment like an embosser, laminator, card cutter, and ID card printer that he used to create the fake documents. He then used the stolen personal information and counterfeit IDs to file fraudulent unemployment claims, resulting in over $1.5 million in losses. Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Labor handled the probe that led to Andrews' arrest and guilty plea.

  • On April 16, 2026, Jerome Antwan Andrews pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • Andrews will be sentenced at a later date.

The players

Jerome Antwan Andrews

A 41-year-old Southfield, Michigan resident who pleaded guilty to running a scheme that produced and sold fake Social Security cards and driver's licenses.

Anthony P. D'Esposito

Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor, who stated that Andrews and his associates stole over $1.5 million by submitting hundreds of fraudulent unemployment claims.

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What they’re saying

“Jerome Antwan Andrews and his criminal associates stole more than $1.5 million by submitting hundreds of fraudulent claims to a pandemic program intended to help unemployed American workers.”

— Anthony P. D'Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor

What’s next

Andrews will be sentenced at a later date for his crimes. Federal prosecutors will likely seek a significant prison sentence given the scale of the fraud scheme.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of identity theft and document fraud, which has become an especially pressing issue during the pandemic as criminals seek to exploit government relief programs. It serves as a warning that those who engage in these types of scams will face serious legal consequences.