Nadine Jean Baptiste, SNAP Benefit Fraud, Rhode Island 2024

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Nadine Jean Baptiste, 57, Charged with SNAP Benefit Fraud in Warwick, RI

In a shocking case of abuse of power, Nadine Jean Baptiste, 57, of Warwick, has been charged with SNAP benefit fraud, along with her daughter Octavia Jean Baptiste, in a federal criminal complaint filed in the District of Rhode Island.

According to the charges, Nadine Jean Baptiste, a supervisor at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, allegedly used her position to improperly access the personal information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, as well as SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefit card balance information.

The investigation, launched in September 2023, revealed that Nadine Jean Baptiste repeatedly conducted telephonic balance inquiries on EBT benefit cards, frequently changing the PIN numbers associated with those cards. It is alleged that some of the individuals whose information was repeatedly accessed were either juveniles or individuals who were, at the time, homeless or incarcerated.

The total value of SNAP EBT benefit cards improperly accessed by the duo is approximately $191,000. The charges against Nadine Jean Baptiste and Octavia Jean Baptiste include aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, and conspiracy.

Nadine Jean Baptiste was arrested earlier today at her place of employment and is scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate at 2pm. An arrest warrant has been issued for Octavia Jean Baptiste.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, and Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit – Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Warwick Police Department, Providence Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.