EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) announced charges against the members of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Trafficking ring in Franklin County Monday.
The OSIG said in a release sent out Monday that the owners of Manmanyo Mini Market/Haitian Caribbean Mini Market in Chambersburg, Marie Registe and Duckens Paul, allegedly stole nearly $185,000 and the Franklin County District Attorney's Office will reportedly prosecute the crimes.
"Through diligent investigation, collaboration with local authorities, and tips from the public, OSIG remains vigilant in protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring that benefits reach those in genuine need. We urge the public to continue reporting any suspected fraud or abuse, as they play a critical role in upholding the integrity of our assistance systems," said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller.
Investigators explained SNAP Trafficking occurs when "SNAP benefits are illegally exchanged for cash, services, or anything other than food."
Authorities said an investigation into Registe and Paul revealed that they had been buying SNAP benefits for about half their value from SNAP recipients.
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Prosecutors allege the owners engaged in a "racketeering enterprise" involving theft and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity by submitting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions for reimbursement that violated EBT regulations.
According to officials, completed EBT transactions from May 3, 2021, through January 28, 2023, with dozens of welfare recipients exchanging the welfare recipients' EBT benefits for cash or non-food goods at about half the value of the benefit.
In total, the OSIG claims the store owners allegedly received $184,757.07 in illegally obtained payments from the SNAP Program.
Registe is being charged with felony public assistance fraud for $7,745; additionally, the state said Registe lied to the Franklin County Assistance Office by not reporting she owned and operated the store while she collected SNAP assistance.
The release states Registe was charged with 11 felony counts, including SNAP trafficking, theft by deception, deceptive business practices, public assistance fraud, corrupt organizations, and various related conspiracy charges.
Paul was charged with nine felony charges including SNAP trafficking, theft by deception, deceptive business practices, corrupt organizations, and various related conspiracy charges.
Investigators ask anyone with information in this case to contact OSIG online or by calling the Welfare Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582.
