Maria Teresa Venegas, SNAP Benefits Fraud, New Jersey 2023

NEWARK, N.J. – In a stunning expose of corruption, a father-daughter duo has been charged with swindling the government out of a staggering $885,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Maria Teresa Venegas, 25, and her father, Manuel Venegas, 53, both of Newark, are charged by complaint with SNAP benefits fraud. Both were arrested this morning and appeared in the afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court. They were released on $200,000 unsecured bond.

According to the complaint, Manuel and Maria Teresa Venegas allegedly exchanged more than $885,000 in SNAP benefits for cash between 2011 and 2018. In addition to the high volume of SNAP redemptions for Jenny's Deli indicating fraud, law enforcement officers used an undercover agent who engaged in approximately 20 'purchases' at Jenny's Deli where one or both defendants allegedly exchanged cash for SNAP benefits.

The SNAP benefits fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins, with the investigation leading to today's charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Newark.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/essex-county-new-jersey-father-and-daughter-charged-food-stamps-scheme