Maryland Man Sentenced to Over Four Years for Extensive SNAP Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme

A Maryland man has been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a complex scheme involving fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, identity theft, and other related crimes. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Brendyn Andrew, 34, of Gaithersburg, received a sentence of 54 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. The sentencing by U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang also includes an order for Andrew to pay $41,699.79 in restitution to victims.

Andrew’s conviction stems from a multi-faceted fraud operation that spanned from February to June 2021. During this period, he exploited the Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for SNAP benefits. To facilitate this, Andrew used the identities of more than 30 individuals, intentionally misrepresenting himself to obtain electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. These illicitly obtained EBT cards were later discovered in his possession.

The investigation into Andrew’s activities expanded beyond SNAP fraud. In October 2022, during the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement discovered Andrew with over 15 EBT cards belonging to other people. Further investigation revealed Andrew’s involvement in passport fraud. Between January 2023 and February 2024, he submitted multiple U.S. passport applications using the personal information, including social security numbers, of other individuals without authorization. One of the victims whose identity was stolen and used in this manner was Andrew’s own brother. Records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Andrew had traveled internationally multiple times using a fraudulent passport obtained in his brother’s name.

Andrew’s criminal enterprise also included attempts to obstruct justice. While detained in March 2025 at the Chesapeake Detention Facility in Baltimore, Maryland, Andrew engaged in phone calls with his girlfriend and co-conspirator, Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia. During these calls, Andrew instructed Collins to delete an email account, an action intended to prevent the account from being used as evidence in an official proceeding. Collins subsequently pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, or informant, with her sentencing scheduled for July 2.

The prosecution of Brendyn Andrew is part of a broader effort by the Department of Justice to combat fraud. In April 2026, the department announced the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, an initiative dedicated to investigating and prosecuting individuals who commit fraud against the American public. This division’s work aligns with the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a government-wide effort aimed at eradicating fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.

The successful prosecution was the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) for their significant contributions to the investigation. The Montgomery County Police Department also provided crucial investigative assistance. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon is prosecuting the case. Andrew’s indictment in February 2025 initially charged him with aggravated identity theft, SNAP benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. A superseding indictment in May 2025 added charges of possessing numerous unauthorized access devices, further instances of aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering.

For individuals who believe they may be victims of identity theft or benefit fraud, or for those wishing to report such activities, resources are available through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Further information can be found on their website at justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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

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