Nearly $5 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits was fraudulently expended in the four-state region during the first three months of this year. When an individual’s SNAP benefits are stolen, the state reimburses the funds to ensure they can still purchase food.
Illinois topped the reimbursement bill in the Local 6 region, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with a staggering amount of over $3 million. Kentucky followed with over $641,000, while Missouri and Tennessee had reimbursement bills of over $224,000 and $565,000 respectively.
Sheriff’s departments in the local area have expressed concern over the growing threat of theft and identity theft, particularly among recipients of SNAP benefits. They emphasize that there are genuine consequences for those who misuse their benefits.
In July, during a second raid on the home of Ava Nell Davis, the Graves County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered drugs, weapons, and snap benefit cards.
In July, during a second raid on the home of 68-year-old Ava Nell Davis, Graves County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered drugs, weapons, and SNAP benefit cards.
According to Jon Hayden, the Sheriff of Graves County, they have recovered a significant number of SNAP cards during raids. He mentioned that there were instances when individuals would accept payment through these cards.
Davis faces several felony charges as the sheriff’s office discovered a stash of cards that were being utilized for drugs instead of their intended purpose of purchasing food.
Detective Kyle Seratt from the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the significance of locking vehicles, even in the Local 6 area.
Seratt expressed concern about the prevalent issue of theft from unlocked vehicles during the night. He emphasized the importance of not leaving personal belongings, such as purses and wallets containing credit cards or benefits cards, in areas that are not secured or locked.
According to Seratt, cases of identity theft are a common occurrence on a daily basis.
According to Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden, during the raids that were conducted, they discovered numerous SNAP cards that belonged to individuals. As part of the payment received, the suspect would sometimes accept these SNAP cards.
According to Seratt, there was an online breach in the past year. The information was stored using an online grocer, and it is possible that the breach occurred through this platform.
In just the first three months of 2024, a staggering $31 million of benefits were fraudulently spent nationwide.
Between January and March, fraudulent transactions using SNAP benefits surpassed $176,000 nationwide.