EBT Trafficking Unit reports second-quarter results
The OIG Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Trafficking Unit conducts investigations on allegations of the misuse or trafficking of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by retailers. These activities can erode public trust in a nutrition program with more than 3.5 million eligible participants in Texas. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2022, the trafficking team opened 57 cases, completed 45 cases and recovered $143,149 in overpayments.
Currently, the trafficking team has noticed an increase in complaints against mobile retailers in the Houston area with claims that vendors are processing unauthorized transactions from clients’ accounts. The team has partnered with area law enforcement and the Montgomery and Harris county district attorneys’ offices to investigate. A sample of recent completed cases include:
A Kleberg County retailer was permanently disqualified from accepting SNAP payments after undercover investigators with the OIG purchased beer and cigarettes with an EBT card. The retailer also exchanged some SNAP benefits for cash, which is illegal under state and federal law.
EBT investigators in Grand Prairie helped the Plano Police Department catch a murder suspect by providing them with information that directly resulted in the suspect’s arrest. Local law enforcement contacted the trafficking unit when the homicide investigation pointed to an individual who was believed to be a SNAP client. EBT trafficking conducted searches that helped identify the suspect and provided information that resulted in the person’s apprehension.
The EBT team in Grand Prairie also conducted a joint investigation with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals who were recently released from prison were found to be living in unsafe conditions and were performing unpaid work for the director of a recovery residence for parolees. The house director required all new residents to apply for SNAP benefits and would then confiscate the new resident’s SNAP card. The director would change the pin when the EBT card arrived and would use the EBT card for the director’s personal use. The case remains under investigation.