Defendant sentenced in SNAP fraud investigation

Sentencing continues in a benefits trafficking case that produced criminal charges against 62 defendants.  The OIG’s EBT Trafficking Unit partnered with local law enforcement on the investigation.   

The latest development involves a woman’s sentence after she pleaded guilty to the illegal transfer of food stamps. Investigators say she sold her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to an East Texas restaurant owner who used the funds to stock his business. She received ten years' probation.

Three other defendants were sentenced earlier. Their punishments ranged from probated prison time to performing community service and paying restitution. Other cases remain in progress.

SNAP is a benefit that helps families during challenging times. Benefit amounts are based on an applicant’s household size, income, assets and other factors. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can cause an application being delayed or denied. Selling SNAP benefits or knowingly providing wrong information on a benefits application is considered fraud and can result in program disqualification, fines and criminal charges.