Alleged Kidnapper Charged with Making False Statements to Hide Identity and Receive Federal Benefits

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a seven-count indictment today charging ALLAN MANN, JR., also known as “Hailee Randolph DeSouza” and Hailey R. DeSouza,” 66, with false statement offenses related to his living in the U.S. under an assumed name for approximately 30 years.

As alleged in court documents, Allan Mann abducted his 21-month-old son, Jermaine Allan Mann, on June 24, 1987, during a court-ordered visit in Toronto, Canada.  Allan Mann, who is a Canadian citizen, and his son subsequently entered the U.S.  Allan Mann changed his name to Hailee Randolph DeSouza, changed the name of his son, and acquired counterfeit birth certificates for him and his son.  Allan Mann has never applied for nor received citizenship status in the U.S.

The indictment alleges that, in June 1990, Mann, using the name Hailee Randolph DeSouza, applied for and received a Social Security Number.  In support of this application, Mann presented his counterfeit birth certificate.  In May 2018, Mann, using his alias, applied for a replacement Social Security card.

It is further alleged that Mann has participated in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Section 8 subsidized housing program at various times since 2004.  Mann most recently resided in Section 8 subsidized housing in Vernon, Connecticut.  Mann has made multiple false statements on HUD forms he signed in connection with his participation in the Section 8 program.  HUD has paid tens of thousands of dollars in housing assistance payments on Mann’s behalf.

The indictment alleges that Mann also made multiple false statements on applications to participate in the State of Connecticut’s Medicaid program.  Since January 2014, Medicaid has paid tens of thousands of dollars for Mann’s medical expenses.

The indictment charges Mann with four counts of making a false statement, and three counts of making a false statement in a healthcare matter.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Mann has been detained since October 26, 2018, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Toronto Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Vernon Police Department.  The Missing Children Society of Canada and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have provided critical assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Hal Chen.