CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Greed trumped good sense in Sikeston, Missouri, as Larry White, Sr., 63, and his daughter, Erica White, 35, both pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a brazen scheme to defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The father-daughter duo systematically siphoned off $549,000 in benefits, treating the program like a personal ATM.
According to court documents, the Whites, managers of Stop-n-Go Fish Market and Stop-N-Go Mini Mart respectively, illegally redeemed SNAP benefits – commonly known as food stamps – between December 2010 and March 2014. Their operation wasn’t about providing food to those in need; it was a simple exchange: SNAP benefits for cold, hard cash and items that were decidedly not eligible for purchase with federal assistance. Think household goods, booze, cigarettes, and cell phones – the things people actually want, not necessarily need.
The scam worked by exploiting the system designed to help vulnerable families. The Missouri Department of Social Services issues Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for SNAP, authorizing grocery retailers to accept and redeem benefits for eligible food items only. The Whites flagrantly ignored these rules, turning their stores into hubs for illegal transactions. It’s a betrayal of public trust, plain and simple.
Both Larry White, Sr. and Erica White appeared before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. today and entered guilty pleas to multiple felony counts of unauthorized use of SNAP benefits and conspiracy. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. The SNAP fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000. Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2017, leaving the final decision – and the length of their stay behind bars – in the judge’s hands.
This wasn’t a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen from SNAP is a dollar taken away from families struggling to put food on the table. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General-Investigations, Sikeston Department of Public Safety, and the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, sends a clear message: exploiting federal programs for personal gain will not be tolerated.
Assistant United States Attorney Anthony L. Franks is prosecuting the case, seeking justice for the program’s beneficiaries. While the Whites may have enjoyed a temporary windfall, they now face the consequences of their actions. The Grimy Times will be present for sentencing and will continue to follow this case.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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