PROVIDENCE, RI – Giomar Lopez Meireles, a 41-year-old Dominican national and Providence resident, has been jailed for his role in a brazen SNAP benefit heist that netted over $213,000 in stolen government funds and his unlawful possession of a firearm.
Lopez Meireles pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and unlawful possession of a firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2024.
As part of the scheme, Lopez Meireles conspired with others to submit fraudulent applications for SNAP benefits using stolen identities and social security numbers. The ill-gotten government-funded benefit cards were either mailed to his residence or nearby addresses. Upon receipt, Lopez Meireles used the cards to make purchases for himself and others, or sold them to others for cash.
The fraudulent applications submitted between September 2021 and November 2023 resulted in approximately $213,397 in benefits being issued. A court-authorized search of Lopez Meireles’s residence uncovered a collection of EBT cards, many of which were wrapped in a paper ledger listing the dollar amounts and PINs on the cards. Agents also seized a 9mm pistol found wrapped in clothing in Lopez Meireles’s bedroom closet.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit – Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit, with valuable assistance provided by multiple law enforcement agencies.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julianne Klein.
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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