A St. Louis businessman and former candidate for the city’s Board of Aldermen has admitted to defrauding the Social Security Administration by falsely claiming to be unable to work while operating businesses and participating in numerous public activities.
Justin Idleburg, 47, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of theft of government money. Court records show that from January 2019 through May 2024, he failed to disclose his business activities and grant income to the Social Security Administration while overstating his medical symptoms to remain eligible for disability benefits. As a result, he fraudulently received $51,388.50 in federal benefits.
Idleburg began receiving Social Security disability benefits in January 2007. Disability eligibility reviews conducted in 2018 and 2024 included claims that he experienced mental health symptoms and difficulty interacting with others…