Elbert Harris Sentenced in Child Food Aid Fraud Scheme

Elbert Harris, 58, of Pine Bluff, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for orchestrating a fraud scheme that stole over a million dollars meant to feed hungry children across low-income Arkansas communities. Harris, who admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud, exploited a USDA-funded feeding program through his organization, Greater Faith Ministries, defrauding taxpayers and betraying the very children the program was designed to protect.

Judge Kristine G. Baker handed down the sentence on Monday in U.S. District Court in Little Rock, ordering Harris to serve 33 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, Harris must pay $1,084,130.13 in restitution and forfeit assets purchased with the stolen funds. The money was intended to provide meals under federal nutrition programs administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).

Harris operated 14 approved feeding sites in Pine Bluff, Altheimer, and Wabbaseka. He submitted fraudulent claims to DHS, falsely reporting that as many as 165 children were fed daily at some locations—while fewer than 20 actually showed up. The false claims triggered reimbursements from DHS, which relied on the integrity of sponsors like Harris to serve vulnerable populations. Instead, Harris lined his pockets while kids went unserved.

Harris is the 16th defendant sentenced in a sprawling fraud network targeting USDA child nutrition funds. Others already convicted include Tonique Hatton and Gladys Waits, each sentenced to 108 months, Anthony Waits to 175 months, and Jacqueline Mills to 150 months. Kattie Jordan received 63 months, while James Franklin and Maria Nelson were each sentenced to 24 and 30 months, respectively. The pattern reveals a systemic exploitation of a lifeline program for the poor.

Two more remain in the crosshairs. Debora Washington, charged by indictment on February 1, 2018, awaits trial before Judge J. Leon Holmes. Nigel Hall has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is awaiting sentencing in the same court. Authorities stress that the investigation remains active, with federal agents still tracking down leads connected to the fraud ring.

The probe is being led by the USDA–Office of Inspector General, IRS–Criminal Investigations, and the FBI. Prosecutors Jana Harris, Allison W. Bragg, and Cameron McCree of the U.S. Attorney’s Office are handling the case. The DOJ is urging anyone with information on feeding program fraud to contact USAARE.FeedingProgramFraud@usdoj.gov. As long as children go hungry, stealing from them won’t go unpunished.

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