11/21/2023 0 Comments Apply for snap benefits marylandRetailers must apply to and be approved by FNS to participate in the program. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. The program funds low-income individuals to allow them to obtain a more nutritious diet. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), together with state agencies. The FBI Baltimore Division, along with our federal, state and local partners, remain steadfast in our commitment to root out those who steal from taxpayers and defraud our government programs.” “These programs are intended to provide assistance for those in need-not a means of abuse or selfish enrichment. “Far from being a victimless crime, the offenders in this investigation defrauded a combined amount of approximately $16 million from taxpayer funded programs,” stated Kevin Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Office. People who play by the rules deserve to know that criminals who defraud them will be held accountable.” “Honest storeowners work hard to earn a profit by actually selling food, and food producers and distributors also benefit. “The food stamp program is intended to put food on the tables of needy recipients, not to put money in the pockets of greedy criminals,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Rosenstein Special Agent in Charge William G. The indictments were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. In addition, 46 bank accounts were seized. Over 300 members of law enforcement participated in the arrests and execution of a total of 26 search warrants at the stores and related locations this morning. The indictments were unsealed today upon the arrests of the defendants. The indictments allege the retailers received over $16 million in federal payments for transactions in which they did not provide any food, a fraud scheme commonly known as “food stamp trafficking.” Stores allegedly split the proceeds with food stamp recipients. Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has returned nine separate indictments charging a total of 14 retail store operators for committing food stamp fraud and wire fraud in connection with schemes to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash.
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