Brendyn Andrew, SNAP Benefits Fraud, Maryland 2025

Greenbelt, Maryland – Brendyn Andrew, 34, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, pled guilty in federal court to all charges listed in a 10-count superseding indictment, including SNAP benefits fraud, possessing unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge David Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office.

In February 2025, a grand jury indicted Andrew for aggravated identity theft, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. Additionally, in May 2025, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Andrew with additional criminal charges for possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia, was named as a co-defendant, in the superseding indictment, for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.

According to facts in Andrew’s plea, between February and June 2021, he used the Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for SNAP benefits and obtain EBT cards, later found in his possession, using identities belonging to other individuals. Andrew intentionally misrepresented his identity to obtain those benefits.

Defendant: Brendyn Andrew

Criminal Charges: SNAP benefits fraud, possessing unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering

City and State: Greenbelt, Maryland

Date: February 2025 (indictment), May 2025 (superseding indictment)

Sentence or Outcome: Pled guilty to all charges

Defendant Faces: Mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft, up to five years for SNAP benefits fraud, up to five years for misuse of a social security number, and up to 10 years for theft of government property. Additionally, Andrew is facing up to 10 years for possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices and up to 15 years for passport fraud. Andrews also faces up to 20 years for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended USDA-OIG and DSS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Montgomery County Police Department for its investigative assistance and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case.

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