Cleveland, OH
Investigation uncovers $17K SNAP fraud scheme in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — The Ohio Investigative Unit said it conducted an 11-month Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program trafficking investigation in Cleveland in partnership with the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition Services.
The investigation found that Sagarmatha Home Decor LLC in Cleveland illegally exchanged over $17,000 in SNAP benefits for cash, clothes, appliances and more.
A search warrant was executed at the business and the owner’s residence, which resulted in a total of $63,309 being seized.
OIU said the owner has been indicted by the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury on multiple felony counts, which included the illegal use of SNAP benefits, money laundering, telecommunications fraud and grand theft.
Additionally, in Cleveland, OIU said it conducted an operation that led to the confiscation of four illegal firearms and suspected methamphetamine. Three people were also arrested, who OIU identified as “violent felons,” including one offender who was on parole for attempted murder.