How Much Prison Time Can You Get for Food Stamp Fraud in Florida?

On July 28th, the Justice Department for the Middle District of Florida reported that a man had pleaded guilty to stealing government funds and aggravated identity theft. His crime? Stealing almost $75,000 in food stamps over two years. What if you face food stamp fraud charges? Could a federal crime defense attorney in Fort Myers help you?

Man Faces Up to 12 Years in Prison for Food Stamp Fraud

According to the recent statement by the Department of Justice, the aforementioned defendant faces up to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to food stamp fraud. The department noted that the maximum penalty for “theft of government funds” is 10 years in prison. He also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, which will run concurrently with the other sentence.

The individual in question reportedly signed up for food stamps and worked with others to defraud the system. In total, he submitted 650 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications under the names of various individuals. All of these applications had the same mailing address: The residence of the defendant. Once he received the SNAP benefits, he used the resulting EBT cards. However, the USDA was surveilling him during this time and gathering evidence.

Your Penalties Depend on the Value of the Food Stamp Fraud

The aforementioned case is an extreme example of SNAP fraud, and you will not automatically face a 10-year prison sentence for committing this offense. However, you should know that even if you defraud the food stamp system for a small amount of money, this is still a criminal offense.

For less serious SNAP fraud, you might face a misdemeanor charge and up to one year in prison. However, SNAP fraud worth thousands of dollars can easily lead to many years behind bars and felony convictions.

How Do I Defend Against SNAP Fraud Allegations?

Most defense strategies in this scenario revolve around intent. If you can establish that you accidentally committed the offense, you shouldn’t face any legal penalties. Of course, some types of SNAP fraud are clearly intentional, such as submitting 650 applications under various names.

You might also attempt to argue that someone else stole your identity and committed the offenses in your name. Remember, prosecutors must establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high threshold, and your lawyer can cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence.

Can a Fort Myers Federal Crime Lawyer Help Me?

A Fort Myers federal crime lawyer may be able to help if you face food stamp fraud charges. The aforementioned case is an extreme example of food stamp fraud, but it highlights the fact that you could spend years behind bars for this offense. Take your defense seriously by contacting The Foley & Wilson Law Firm at 239-690-6080 today.

Sources: 

justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/lake-county-man-pleads-guilty-theft-government-funds-and-aggravated-identity-theft

fna.usda.gov/snap/fraud