|
 |
Two Local
Residents Convicted of Food Assistance Fraud
On May 11, 2015, Darke County Sheriff’s Office Detective Rachael
Kuzmicki, along with Darke County Prosecutors, concluded the case
against two local individuals accused of trafficking food assistance
cards.
David and Betty Harter, of Greenville, were formally charged in
November 2014 after the Grand Jury indicated them on 2-counts of
trafficking food stamps, a fourth-degree felony. Detectives conducted
the investigation totaling over $5,900 in fraud. The Harters told
Detectives they paid at least three people in cash for their Ohio food
assistance cards. The Harters also claimed the food purchased with the
food assistance cards was used for catering jobs and get-togethers with
family members.
The investigation uncovered the activity took place from 2013 to 2014.
The three individuals had been trading their EBT cards for cash to
purchase illegal narcotics. Some of the individuals receiving benefits
offered to sell their EBT cards to the Harters for 50 cents on the
dollar.
Mrs. Harter plead guilty to the fourth degree felony charge, while Mr.
Harter plead to a lesser misdemeanor.
The three individuals who admitted to selling their food assistance
cards have all plead guilty and have been sentenced by the Darke County
Common Pleas Court.
Sheriff Toby L. Spencer takes a strong stand against the illegal
trafficking of food assistance benefits in our community. One of
the most effective weapons against crime is the information received
from concerned citizens who observe and report illegal activities in
their areas. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Darke County
Sheriff’s Office at (937) 548-2020 with information regarding any
criminal activity. Citizen may also contact the Darke County Job and
Family Services Fraud Hotline at (937) 548-4132 (ext. 257) to report
fraudulent activity. Information can be left anonymously.
Detective Kuzmicki started the investigation assignment in May 2014 and
has saved Darke County Job and Family Services a total of $581,731
year-to-date.
For more information, please visit the Darke County Sheriff’s Office
online at www.DarkeCountySheriff.org or
www.Facebook.com/DarkeCountySheriff
|
|
|
|
