A person has been charged with stealing SNAP benefits from 17 Pennsylvanians, according to the Office of State Inspector General.
According to the agency, 35 felony and misdemeanor counts of access device fraud, theft by deceit, and identity theft have been filed against an unidentified defendant.
The inspector general claims that the alleged thefts occurred in February 2023 and that all of the victims live in eastern Pennsylvania. They all still had their EBT cards.
“Stealing SNAP benefits is preying upon those in need,” said State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry. “We are committed to working hard every day to protect our most vulnerable residents from those who steal their SNAP funds.”
Authorities accuse the suspect of using stolen benefits to spend more than $8,000 on items in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Some of these purchases include large amounts of Red Bull, sweets, and baby formula.
Anyone who believes their benefits have been taken should contact their County Assistance Office right away to acquire a replacement EBT card. The incident should also be reported to the OSIG and the local police.
