Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Federal Charges, Including SNAP Fraud and Identity Theft

A Maryland man has pleaded guilty to a series of federal charges stemming from a scheme involving the fraudulent acquisition of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, aggravated identity theft, and witness tampering. Brendyn Andrew, 34, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, entered his guilty plea to all ten counts outlined in a superseding indictment, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

The case against Andrew began with an indictment in February 2025, which included charges of aggravated identity theft, SNAP benefits fraud, misuse of social security numbers, and theft of government property. Subsequently, in May 2025, a superseding indictment added charges for possessing more than 15 unauthorized access devices, further instances of aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and tampering with a witness. A co-defendant, Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia, was also named in the superseding indictment for witness tampering and is scheduled for trial in April 2026.

Evidence presented in court indicates that between February and June 2021, Andrew utilized the Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for SNAP benefits. During this period, he used the identities of other individuals to obtain Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which were later found in his possession. These actions involved deliberate misrepresentation of his identity to unlawfully obtain government assistance.

A search warrant executed in October 2022 led to the discovery of over 15 EBT cards in the names of individuals other than Andrew. The fraudulent activities continued, as evidenced by a U.S. passport application submitted by Andrew in February 2024. In this application, he falsely claimed to be another person and used that individual’s social security number without authorization, ultimately obtaining the passport for his own use. Further complicating matters, while detained at the Chesapeake Detention Facility in Baltimore, Maryland, in March 2025, Andrew allegedly contacted Collins by phone and instructed her to attempt to delete an email account, with the apparent intention of hindering its use in an official proceeding.

Andrew now faces significant penalties for his convictions. For aggravated identity theft, a mandatory minimum sentence of two years is prescribed, which must be served consecutively to any other imposed prison term. He could also receive up to five years for SNAP benefits fraud and social security number misuse, and up to 10 years for theft of government property. The charges of possessing more than 15 unauthorized access devices carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years, while passport fraud could result in a sentence of up to 15 years. The most severe charge, tampering with a witness, victim, or informant, carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes acknowledged the diligent work of the USDA-OIG and DSS in conducting the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon is prosecuting the case, with additional investigative assistance provided by the Montgomery County Police Department.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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