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Darke County Sheriff’s Office
Darke County
Recognized for SNAP Benefits Savings
The Ohio Council on Welfare Fraud recently held their annual conference
in Newark, Ohio. During the conference Darke County was recognized as
the 2nd Most Improved County in the State for SNAP Food Assistance
fraud savings. The Director’s Award for Excellence in Claims Management
award was based on the Percent of Increase in Number of Intentional
Program Violations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said that food assistance fraud
totals $750 million each year. In the past 11 months, $429,568 has been
saved by catching intentional program violators, according to the Darke
County Sheriff’s Office. The operation, manned by Detective Kuzmicki of
the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, with help from state and federal
agencies, including the Ohio Investigative Unit and the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, netted 33 violators leading to 26 arrests between May,
2014 and April, 2015.
Fraud Control Specialists noted Darke County’s efforts in combating
public assistance fraud are greatly appreciated. Statewide, the number
of claims established and collections have increased over the past two
years. This increase results in higher incentive funds for the Darke
County agency.
The Darke County operation also uncovered drug addicts trading their
SNAP cards for illegal narcotics. Some individuals receiving benefits
offered to sell their benefits for 50 cents on the dollar. Detective
Kuzmicki says this type of fraud can happen anywhere, from homes to
street corners, and even at the grocery store.
Among the 26 arrests was a woman cited after attempting to sell her
food assistance card directly to Detective Kuzmicki inside a local
grocery store. Detective Kuzmicki stated “the lady walked right up to
me and said, I have a card with $200 on it and will sell you it for
$100". After being notified that she tried to sell her food assistance
card to a law enforcement official the woman advised she had a drug
problem and needed money to purchase illegal narcotics.
SNAP benefits can only be used to buy foods to eat, such as:
breads and cereal
fruits and vegetables
meats, fish and poultry
dairy products
seeds and plants to produce food
SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, diapers,
and household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Of the 33 violators, 4 have received a lifetime ban from the benefits
program as a result of their convictions. Seven of the individuals have
been given an administrative waiver, which means they have been
suspended from the benefits systems for a year. Others have been
sentenced or are facing fifth-degree felony charges.
Sheriff Toby L. Spencer takes a strong stand against the use of illegal
trafficking of food assistance benefits in our community.
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). Information can be left
anonymously.
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