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    OIG Charges Williamsport Woman with SNAP Trafficking for Selling her Food Stamp Benefits on Facebook. She Exchanged Benefits for Heroin.

    March 27, 2017

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 24, 2017

    HARRISBURG, PA – The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has charged Tanya E. Keenan-Mack, 37, of Williamsport, with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) trafficking and access device fraud for selling her SNAP benefits on Facebook.

    The charges, filed March 21, allege that Keenan-Mack exchanged $194 in SNAP benefits on her Electronic Benefit Transfer Access (EBT) Card for heroin. The SNAP benefits were withdrawn at a Weis Markets and a Walmart last month.

    On Feb. 6, 2017, the OIG received a tip that Keenan-Mack had posted an ad on the “Williamsport New and Used, Buy and Sell” page on Facebook, offering $194 in SNAP benefits for $100. The OIG’s subsequent investigation included obtaining receipts for Keenan-Mack’s EBT card and video surveillance footage from Weis and Walmart.

    “SNAP trafficking is a serious problem in the commonwealth and a crime that the OIG aggressively pursues,” Inspector General Bruce R. Beemer said. “In this case, as in many welfare fraud cases, a tip from a member of the public was critical in instigating the investigation.”

    A preliminary hearing on the charges will be held at 11 a.m., April 4, before Magisterial District Judge Christian D. Frey in Williamsport. The OIG thanks the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the case.

    The OIG investigates waste, fraud, abuse and misconduct in the commonwealth’s executive agencies and welfare fraud in the public benefits programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. To report suspected welfare fraud, please call 1-800-932-0582 or visit the OIG website at www.oig.pa.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Ellen Lyon, 717-783-7756

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