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Albuquerque Man Bilked $4,678 in Food Stamps
Sergio Escobedo, 37, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty to defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on March 26, 2024.
Escobedo is one of six defendants charged with defrauding the Food Stamp Program in a 32-count indictment filed in August 2014. The indictment alleged that between September 2009 and May 2010, Escobedo conspired with Joseph Martin Padilla, 34, Wilfredo Lopez, 47, Joshua Moya, 34, Justin Quintana, 30, and Veronica Hernandez, 42, to defraud the United States through the unauthorized use of Food Stamp benefits.
Padilla worked as a Family Assistance Analyst for the Income Support Division of the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) where he was responsible for determining applicants’ eligibility and benefit level for SNAP benefits. SNAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the States.
Escobedo admitted that he met with Padilla in January 2009, and paid $100 for Padilla to process a SNAP benefit application in Escobedo’s name even though Escobedo was ineligible to receive SNAP benefits at that time. Escobedo further admitted that from September 1, 2009, through February 16, 2010, he obtained $4,678 in illegal SNAP benefits for himself.
At sentencing, Escobedo faces a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Padilla was previously sentenced to a year and a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $181,398.76 in restitution to the USDA.
This case is a stark reminder of the importance of program integrity in the delivery of vital social services. As a society, we must ensure that those who abuse the system are held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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