WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Food Stamp Fraud Investigation Ends with 21 Arrests (Bridgeport-WTNH)_ Officials say the illegal trafficking of food stamps cost taxpayers $125,000 so far. Investigators are still totaling up the amount after yesterday's raids. Investigators have dealt with food stamp abuse before, but these electronic debit cards, the modern day version of the benefits, are supposed to cut down on fraud. Inspector Greg Seybolt, USDA: "Every time we come up with prevention there'll always be a way for an individual to find ways around it" This is how the scam allegedly worked, the store owner or employee would give cash to the cardholder, instead of food. In exchange, the store owner would get a cut on the cash. At this convenience store on Main Street in Bridgeport, an undercover officer exchanged $30,000 worth of food stamps for $15,000. Although abuse of food stamps with electronic cards is still possible, they do make it easier for investigators to track. John Whalen, Assistant State's Attorney: "They may be alloted $350 for the month. If the alloted amount is swiped on March 1st, then certainly there is a problem, and that's something we would look into." Some customers of the raided stores were surprised to learn that something illegal was allegedly taking place. Arteria Ortiz, Bridgeport: "I always see everybody getting what they are buying. You know, milk, bread and stuff like that. I've never seen anything like this. I'm shocked." Operation Swipe caps a 13 month investigation. Not only do the people arrested today face criminal charges, but civil charges as well. The US Attorney filed civil complaints in court to recoup taxpayer's money. Local, state, and federal authorities plan to continue their crackdown on other parts of the state. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Food Stamp Fraud Investigation Ends with 21 Arrests
(Bridgeport-WTNH)_ Officials say the illegal trafficking of food stamps cost taxpayers $125,000 so far. Investigators are still totaling up the amount after yesterday's raids. Investigators have dealt with food stamp abuse before, but these electronic debit cards, the modern day version of the benefits, are supposed to cut down on fraud.

Inspector Greg Seybolt, USDA: "Every time we come up with prevention there'll always be a way for an individual to find ways around it"

This is how the scam allegedly worked, the store owner or employee would give cash to the cardholder, instead of food. In exchange, the store owner would get a cut on the cash. At this convenience store on Main Street in Bridgeport, an undercover officer exchanged $30,000 worth of food stamps for $15,000. Although abuse of food stamps with electronic cards is still possible, they do make it easier for investigators to track.

John Whalen, Assistant State's Attorney: "They may be alloted $350 for the month. If the alloted amount is swiped on March 1st, then certainly there is a problem, and that's something we would look into."

Some customers of the raided stores were surprised to learn that something illegal was allegedly taking place.

Arteria Ortiz, Bridgeport: "I always see everybody getting what they are buying. You know, milk, bread and stuff like that. I've never seen anything like this. I'm shocked."

Operation Swipe caps a 13 month investigation. Not only do the people arrested today face criminal charges, but civil charges as well. The US Attorney filed civil complaints in court to recoup taxpayer's money. Local, state, and federal authorities plan to continue their crackdown on other parts of the state.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.