A Dominican national living in Providence, Rhode Island, has admitted to swindling over $213,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Giomar Lopez Meireles, 41, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2024.
According to information presented to the court, Lopez Meireles conspired with others to submit fraudulent applications for SNAP benefits using stolen identities and social security numbers. The scheme resulted in approximately $213,397 in benefits being issued to Lopez Meireles and others between September 2021 and November 2023.
A court-authorized search of Lopez Meireles’s residence resulted in the seizure of 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.
The case 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 assistance from various law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and the Rhode Island State Police.
Lopez Meireles’s crimes are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of benefit scams on communities and the importance of robust law enforcement efforts to combat them. His sentencing will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julianne Klein.
Related Federal Cases
- NY AG James Slams Fed’s SNAP Benefits Cut Attempt · Pennsylvania
- Dominican National Wilson Sentenced for Passport Fraud · Rhode Island
- Judge Orders Fed Govt to Use SNAP Contingency Funds Amid Shutdown · Massachusetts
- Thai National Admits to Running Asylum Fraud Ring · Rhode Island
- Machine Gun Trafficker & Drug Ring Busted in Providence · Rhode Island
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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