Reuben Nims, 52, of Little Rock, was found guilty of conspiring to commit mail fraud after stealing over $182,000 in funds intended for children’s meals.
According to the USDA, Nims was a sponsor for the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program through an organization called “Blessed Thru Success.” He had one approved feeding site on Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock, but no children were ever fed there.
Nims admitted to recruiting accomplices, including Anthony Waits and his wife Gladys Waits, who worked for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). Gladys Waits approved Nims’ application, allowing him to receive checks for the funds.
Instead of using the funds to feed children, Nims withdrew approximately $130,000 in cash and paid Anthony Waits around 50% of the total amount. Nims is the sixth person to plead guilty in connection with the theft of USDA feeding program funds, which total over $10 million in alleged fraud.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the USDA–Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations, and United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jana Harris and Allison W. Bragg.
Nims’ sentencing will be determined by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. at a later date.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity regarding these feeding programs, please email the United States Attorney’s Office at USAARE.FeedingProgramFraud@usdoj.gov.
Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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