Elbert Eugene Shinholster, age 77, of Wilkinson County, Georgia, has been sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for his role in a massive food stamp fraud and money laundering scheme. Shinholster, the owner and operator of Shinholster’s Grocery and Meat Market in Irwinton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to federal charges of one count each of food stamp fraud and money laundering on January 30, 2012.
As part of his plea, Shinholster admitted to conspiring with almost 2,000 food stamp recipients to defraud the food stamp program. The scheme involved Shinholster using the recipients’ electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards and personal identification numbers to make illegal transactions. Instead of using the EBT cards to purchase food, Shinholster would run the cards through the point of sale machine and provide the recipients with cash, while keeping a 30% profit for himself.
The total amount of restitution Shinholster has been ordered to pay is $4,680,557.20, which will go towards reimbursing the food stamp program for the losses incurred due to his actions. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia, on October 18, 2013.
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore expressed his disappointment and outrage at Shinholster’s actions, stating that the food stamp program was established to provide for needy families, especially children. Moore emphasized that Shinholster’s actions not only defrauded the program but also damaged its reputation and provided ammunition to those who believe that government programs are rife with fraud.
Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, also condemned Shinholster’s actions, calling it a case of greed and a serious crime. The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Solis and Danial Bennett.
The sentence serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit government programs for personal gain. The food stamp program is designed to provide essential support to families in need, and any attempts to defraud the system will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. For more information on this case, contact Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2602.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Elbert Eugene Shinholster serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting government programs from fraud and abuse. The severity of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the impact it has on the community. As the government continues to work towards preventing and prosecuting fraud, it is essential for individuals to report any suspicious activity and to cooperate with investigations to ensure that those who exploit these programs are held accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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