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    State Inspector General Files Charges Against Individual for Stealing SNAP Funds from 17 Pennsylvanians

    SNAP is a lifeline for families – the Shapiro Administration’s work to investigate suspected fraud ensures the funds go to qualified Pennsylvanians.

    March 05, 2025

    Harrisburg, PA – The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) announced today felony charges against an individual for stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds from the EBT card accounts of 17 Pennsylvanians and spending a total of $8,237.09 in benefits in multiple states.

    “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.”

    According to the Criminal Complaint filed by OSIG, the Defendant is charged with stealing SNAP benefits from 17 recipients and using those stolen benefits to make over eight thousand dollars of purchases in the York, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland areas. OSIG charged the Defendant with a total of 35 felony and misdemeanor counts of Access Device Fraud, Theft by Deception, and Identity Theft.

    “SNAP is a lifeline that helps people feed their families and themselves – one of the most core, essential needs we all have as people,” said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Theft of SNAP benefits is a threat to the health and wellbeing of victims of these crimes, and the Shapiro Administration is working hard to educate SNAP recipients and implement new protections on EBT cards to protect this life-sustaining resource, and we appreciate the work and diligence of OSIG and our partners in law enforcement working to identify and take action against this theft.”

    The alleged theft occurred in February of 2023, and the victims live in Cumberland and Dauphin Counties. It is alleged that despite the victims never losing possession of their EBT cards, the Defendant used their card information to make purchases. The Defendant’s purchases included bulk quantities of Red Bull Energy Drink, candy, and baby formula. These items are popular for resale in domestic and international markets.

    Pennsylvanians who believe their benefits have been stolen should immediately contact their County Assistance Office (CAO) for assistance in receiving anew EBT card and should report the crime to OSIG (1-800-932-0582) and their local police department. Pennsylvanians can monitor their SNAP benefits and transactions regularly through Pennsylvania’s free, official, and secure myCOMPASS PA mobile app, available on the Apple and GooglePlay app stores. myCOMPASS PA mobile app users can also change their PIN through the app.

    OSIG and the Department of Human Services (DHS) urge Pennsylvanians to change their PIN at least monthly before each SNAP payment date and to take an extra look before swiping their card at a point-of-sale machine. For more information, visit the OSIG Skimming Page or the DHS Scams Page.

    The Defendant has been charged in Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-3-05, with Docket #CR-0000035-2025, and an arrest warrant remains outstanding. All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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