Four people have been taken into custody and charged in connection with a massive welfare fraud probe dubbed “Operation SNAP Trap.” According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), the District Attorney’s Office, and the DeSoto County Fugitive Division, the suspects fraudulently acquired over $131,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The coordinated effort resulted in the safe capture of all four people within hours of the operation’s start. Those indicted face the following charges:
- Stephanie Wright – 3 counts; $18,114 in fraudulent benefits
- Tiffany Harrell – 5 counts; $30,443 in fraudulent benefits
- Syerra Lynks – 3 counts; $30,853 in fraudulent benefits
- Lashonda Smith – 5 counts; $52,053 in fraudulent benefits
“Welfare assistance benefits are meant to support low-income individuals and families who genuinely need them,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “These individuals exploited the system, stealing from taxpayers and undermining the integrity of the program designed to assist those in need.”
Barton praised the MDHS Office of Inspector General, MDHS agents, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, and his office for carrying out the operation and communicating a clear message of accountability.
The investigation is still underway, and new charges or arrests may result. All defendants are deemed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.