News Summary
Nadine and Octavia Jean Baptiste, from Warwick, Rhode Island, face federal charges for allegedly stealing $191,000 in food assistance benefits. The two are accused of using stolen personal information to access SNAP benefits and make fraudulent purchases at local stores. Their arrests follow a 2023 investigation spurred by complaints regarding missing EBT cards, affecting vulnerable individuals. The Rhode Island Department of Human Services has stated its commitment to maintaining program integrity while the case unfolds.
Warwick, Rhode Island: Mother and Daughter Face Charges for Allegedly Stealing $191,000 in Food Assistance
Nadine Jean Baptiste, 57, and her daughter Octavia Jean Baptiste, 27, have been charged with federal offenses after allegedly stealing $191,000 in food assistance benefits over several years. The pair, both residents of Warwick, Rhode Island, is accused of unlawfully accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits using stolen personal information to support their fraudulent activities.
The investigation, which began in 2023, was prompted by complaints from SNAP recipients regarding missing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Reports indicated that victims included minors, homeless individuals, and those currently incarcerated. The allegations detail that the two women utilized the stolen information to access EBT card balances and subsequently made fraudulent purchases at various stores, including Walmart, Market Basket in Warwick, and Stop & Shop in Cranston.
Details of the Arrests
Nadine Jean Baptiste was taken into custody at her place of employment on Reservoir Avenue in Providence, where she worked as a principal clerk for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). Her daughter, Octavia, was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service. The pair appeared in court on the day of their arrests and were released on an unsecured bond.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The women face multiple charges, which include aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, and conspiracy. Nadine Jean Baptiste has been a state employee with the Rhode Island government since at least 2013, and her position within the DHS raises concerns regarding potential negligence in safeguarding sensitive data.
Response from the Rhode Island Department of Human Services
A spokesperson for the DHS, Jim Beardsworth, emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting the integrity of benefits intended for Rhode Islanders. The spokesperson stated that DHS, alongside its partners, is supporting the ongoing investigation. However, he declined to comment on the employment status of Nadine Jean Baptiste given that the investigation is currently active.
Advice for SNAP Beneficiaries
SNAP beneficiaries who suspect that they may have been victims of fraud are advised to contact the Rhode Island Department of Administration’s Office of Internal Audit. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals report any stolen EBT cards to local law enforcement to ensure proper investigation and recovery efforts.
Background on SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal aid program designed to support individuals and families in acquiring nutritious food. The program is essential for many residents, including those facing economic hardships or food insecurity. However, fraudulent activities targeting these benefits undermine the program’s integrity and impact the most vulnerable members of the community.
The case against the Baptiste women serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive personal information and maintaining the integrity of programs designed to assist those in need.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: Human Services Supervisor Accused of Defrauding SNAP Beneficiaries
- WPRI: DHS Supervisor and Daughter Accused in $191K SNAP Benefits Fraud Scheme
- Providence Journal: CDC Terminates $31 Million in Grants for Rhode Island Health Dept
- Healthcare IT News: OCR Fines Providence $240,000 in Ransomware Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Google Search: Rhode Island Department of Human Services
