(WBRE/WYOU) — The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) announced charges are being filed against a suspect who stole SNAP funds from 17 Pennsylvanians and spent over $8,000.
State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry states felony charges have been filed against an individual for stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds from the EBT card accounts of 17 Pennsylvanians and spending a total of $8,237.09 of those benefits in multiple states.
According to the criminal complaint, the suspect stole SNAP benefits from 17 people and used those stolen benefits to make purchases in the York, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland, areas.
Investigators say the theft occurred in February 2023, and the victims live in Cumberland and Dauphin Counties. Despite the victims never losing possession of their EBT cards, the suspect used their card information to make purchases, OSIG explains.
Officials believe the suspect purchased bulk quantities of Red Bull Energy Drinks, candy, and baby formula, which are popular items to resell in domestic and international markets.
OSIG has charged the suspect with 35 felony and misdemeanor counts of access device fraud, theft by deception, and identity theft.
“Stealing SNAP benefits is preying upon those in need. We are committed to working hard every day to protect our most vulnerable residents from those who steal their SNAP funds,” stated State Inspector General Henry.
The suspect is charged out of the Cumberland County Magisterial District Court, and an arrest warrant remains outstanding.
Pennsylvanians who believe their benefits have been stolen should contact their County Assistance Office (CAO) for assistance in receiving a new EBT card and should report the crime to OSIG (1-800-932-0582) and their local police department.
OSIG urges Pennsylvanians to change their PIN at least monthly before each SNAP payment date and to take an extra look before swiping their card.
