Pennsylvania and Michigan Men Indicted in SNAP Benefits Fraud Scheme

Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on charges related to a conspiracy to commit fraud involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The indictment alleges a scheme to submit fraudulent applications for SNAP benefits and subsequently exchange the issued electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards for cash. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The alleged conspiracy involved Randy Welch, a 46-year-old resident of Michigan, and Earnest Morant, a 58-year-old resident of Harrisburg. According to the indictment, Welch was responsible for obtaining personal information, including names and social security numbers of numerous individuals, which he then used to submit fraudulent SNAP benefits applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Following the approval of these applications, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued numerous SNAP EBT cards in the names of the individuals whose information was used.

These fraudulently obtained EBT cards were reportedly sent to addresses specified by Welch. One such address belonged to his codefendant, Earnest Morant. Morant allegedly received a significant number of these EBT cards at his Harrisburg residence. He is accused of then mailing these cards to other individuals involved in the conspiracy, who would then exchange the cards for cash. This operation aimed to exploit the SNAP program for financial gain through illicit means.

The Department of Justice has established a National Fraud Enforcement Division, with a primary mission to investigate and prosecute individuals who misuse or steal taxpayer funds. This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs. The investigation and prosecution of this SNAP benefits fraud conspiracy fall under these efforts.

Individuals convicted of conspiracy to commit SNAP benefits fraud face a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, along with a fine and a period of supervised release. The charge of SNAP benefits fraud itself carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Any sentence imposed by a judge will be determined after careful consideration of federal sentencing statutes and guidelines. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations jointly conducted the investigation into this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is leading the prosecution. It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations, and all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

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