Herbert Dix, WIC Fraud, Georgia 2012

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Herbert Dix’s WIC Fraud Scheme Exposed in Georgia

Newnan, GA – In a shocking case of nutritional program abuse, Herbert Dix, a 49-year-old former grocery store owner from Riverdale, GA, has been sentenced to prison for defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and possessing forged "WIC" vouchers. Dix’s crimes, which spanned over a year, left many low-income families in need without the assistance they desperately required.

According to the indictment, Dix owned and operated Spanks Quick Stop, a store front grocery store in Griffin, GA. The store was authorized to redeem Woman, Infant, and Children (WIC) vouchers for specified food items. However, Dix and his employees illegally redeemed blank WIC vouchers for cash, filling in amounts significantly greater than what they paid for the vouchers and depositing them into Dix’s bank account.

Between 2010 and 2011, Dix defrauded the USDA out of over $150,000. An undercover law enforcement officer, posing as a customer, entered Spanks Quick Stop on 18 separate occasions, where Dix and his employees redeemed the forged vouchers for cash. The scheme was eventually uncovered, and Dix was arrested.

Herbert Dix was sentenced to one year and ten months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, $14,100 restitution, and a special assessment of $10,100. Dix pleaded guilty to the entire indictment in May 2013.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of Inspector General, and the Griffin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Leta prosecuted the case.

This case sends a clear signal to those contemplating WIC fraud, according to Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., DPH’s commissioner. The enduring cooperation between the Georgia Department of Public Health, local law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has preserved precious funds for those who need it most.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Herbert Dix
Criminal Charges: 18 counts of WIC fraud and 83 counts of possession of forged securities
City and State: Newnan, GA
Exact Date: Not specified, but crimes occurred between 2010 and 2011, and Dix pleaded guilty in May 2013
Sentence: One year and ten months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, $14,100 restitution, and a special assessment of $10,100
Dollar Amounts: Over $150,000

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