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Harrisburg, PA – The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) announced today that from the beginning of the Shapiro Administration, it has filed public benefits theft charges worth $10,008,807 against 1,495 individuals. During this period, OSIG successfully resolved more than 95% of cases through a conviction, guilty plea, or other disposition.
OSIG investigates and prosecutes public benefits theft and conducts collection activities for the public benefits programs administered by PA DHS. The two agencies work closely to deter, detect, and investigate concerns flagged during the application process and to prosecute individuals who make willful false statements in order to secure benefits they are not entitled to receive. This partnership prevents and identifies theft and misuse of programs to protect these critical programs and resources for Pennsylvania.
“These cases highlight OSIG’s commitment to stopping theft, protecting tax dollars, and keeping Pennsylvania’s public benefits programs running with integrity” said State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry. “OSIG will continue to pursue these criminals and protect the programs that serve our most vulnerable to ensure that those who steal from Pennsylvania taxpayers are held accountable.”
Governor Josh Shapiro and Inspector General Michelle Henry have long prioritized stopping public benefits theft. During their time at the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, they prosecuted dozens of individuals who fraudulently obtained public benefits. In his 2026-27 Budget Address, Governor Shapiro reaffirmed that commitment, emphasizing that every dollar appropriated for public benefits should go to the Pennsylvanians who truly need it, not lost to theft or fraud. He is fighting for a Pennsylvania False Claims Act, which would allow the Commonwealth to collect additional damages and recoup more state dollars that would otherwise be lost to fraud.
OSIG and PA DHS work together to both prevent fraud and monitor programs to stop attempts at misusing public benefits. PA DHS staff closely vet all applications for public assistance, including screenings against 15 state and federal data checks. Roughly half of applications are found to be ineligible for benefits and, when needed, PA DHS works with OSIG on additional reviews of applications or open cases. The Shapiro Administration reviewed nearly 20,000 benefit applications in 2025 to prevent benefits from being incorrectly issued, reducing or denying benefits in 7,965 cases, and returning over $61 million to programs Pennsylvanians rely on. In 2025, OSIG charged 310 people with $3,060,432 in public benefits theft and, in total, the Shapiro Administration has charged 1,392 individuals with felonies related to public benefits theft. These figures reflect charges brought by OSIG and do not include additional prosecutions brought through OSIG’s coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement, which often results in significant restitution of taxpayer money.
The partnership with PA DHS was central to a recent significant case. In December 2025, OSIG and the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office announced charges against dozens of individuals following a multi-year investigation into Quick Stop Convenience Store in Steelton. The store's owner, who had previously been permanently banned from the SNAP program, used a rogue payment terminal to process $775,677 in fraudulent SNAP transactions over three years. Three store employees were also charged, along with numerous recipients who participated in the scheme.
“Pennsylvania is a leader in fighting misuse of public benefits like theft and fraud, and we are helping to ensure that vital public benefits programs continue to be available to Pennsylvanians who are eligible,” said PA DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to protecting these public resources, and our strong partnership with OSIG is integral to maintaining the responsible stewardship of these essential programs.”
A Vital Program for Pennsylvania’s Economy
Beyond the program’s critical health and food benefits, SNAP is also an economic driver for Pennsylvania’s local businesses. In Pennsylvania, more than 10,600 retailers accept SNAP benefits for food purchases across 38,000 locations. Disrupting this program can drastically affect the economic well-being of vendors, farmers, and stores across Pennsylvania. Each month, PA DHS issues more than $300 million in SNAP benefits, feeding more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians and supporting businesses across our Commonwealth. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Center, each $1 issued in SNAP benefits grew Pennsylvania’s economy by $1.54 through job retention, creation, and income for farms and other agricultural producers. Misuse of SNAP benefits represents an overall small portion of the program’s reach, and individuals charged are a very small percentage of the millions of Pennsylvanians who have used SNAP at some point since 2023.
Those charged face disqualification from public benefits. All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
OSIG takes seriously all public benefits theft tips. Anonymously report suspected public benefits theft on the OSIG website or call the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline: 1-800-932-0582.