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Buffalo Man Sentenced for Stealing Thousands in Food Stamps
A Buffalo man has been sentenced for stealing $82,066 in food stamps, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. David Sobczyk, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and was sentenced to two years’ probation, ordered to pay restitution, and forfeited $33,991.41.
The investigation revealed that Sobczyk operated a food truck delivery business, Sobczyk Services, which received SNAP program benefits. However, he allowed customers to purchase items on credit, contrary to program policies. He also directed his employees to manipulate the USDA’s telephonic system to identify food stamp beneficiaries’ card numbers.
The SNAP program, formerly known as the Federal Food Stamp Program, was established in 1977 to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. The program provides low-income households with federal tax dollars to subsidize food purchases. In 2008, the program was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP program).
Sobczyk’s co-conspirator, Paul Carroll, was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Carroll operated a business, Carroll Services, which received SNAP program benefits. He provided Sobczyk with a vehicle to use for his food truck delivery business and was paid monthly for the vehicle, knowing that Sobczyk was operating his business contrary to program policies.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Monroe County Department of Social Services, and the New York State Office of Inspector General. The sentencing is a result of their collaborative efforts.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the SNAP program through approved retail food stores or food truck delivery businesses. A business that accepts SNAP program benefits must do so only in connection with retail sales of eligible food products, and must be authorized by FNS as a retail food store or FTDB.
According to USDA regulations, most edible items, except for prepared foods, vitamins, and medicines, are eligible for purchase with food stamp benefits. Items such as beer, cigarettes, paper goods, soaps, and detergents are ineligible for purchase with food stamp benefits.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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