“For 25 years this fraudster capitalized on a family’s tragedy by using the stolen identity of a deceased child to obtain government benefits including taxpayer funded food assistance.  Nearly five decades after her unspeakable loss, the decedent’s mother was forced to relive the tragedy at the defendant’s trial,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.  “Using the identity of the deceased to obtain food assistance is an appalling crime committed far too often.  My office is working hand-in-hand with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud led by Vice President JD Vance to end the fraud on taxpayers and prevent shameless criminals from exploiting the dead to enrich themselves.”  

“This guilty plea sends a strong message that if you use your inside position to defraud the American public and steal federal benefits from those who depend on them, we will relentlessly pursue you and hold you accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Wilkins.