Maryland
Tighter security for SNAP benefits pursued as Maryland sees $26M in fraud
On Maryland’s path to becoming one of the country’s biggest targets for fraud aimed at benefits for lower-income residents, the problem looked, at first, like maybe it involved just a few thousand claims.
But the theft went largely unchecked, and the claims, paid off by taxpayers, kept rising.
By the time the state started a new reimbursement process in early 2023, what had been less than $1 million in benefits the state had to restore to victims of fraud quickly turned into $4.3 million over two years. One year later, the state has paid nearly $26 million for claims since the start of 2021 to 39,000 households that started out needing extra help putting food on the table, then fell victim to a system that advocates say is still sorely lacking in security.
“This theft is real. It’s nationwide. It is essential that Marylanders can meet their food needs,” said Michele Gilman, a law professor and director of the Saul Ewing Civil Advocacy Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law. “But the other angle of it is protecting the public. This money is flowing into the hands of criminals and we know there are technological ways to prevent that.”
Gilman and others are hopeful the state’s technology may soon catch up — and the bleeding, finally, will stop.
On Wednesday, the Maryland Board of Public Works is scheduled to vote on a new contract for the operator of the state’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system — the method in which 382,000 households access the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) and about 32,000 benefit from cash assistance.
Key to the new contract — according to state Department of Human Services officials who are pushing for it — are new requirements to implement chip technology in EBT cards. In Maryland and across the country, the debit-type cards still have just the traditional magnetic stripes. Those are vulnerable to “skimming,” in which a device is used to read and access a card’s data.
A 2023 state law required chips in all EBT cards issued in Maryland starting last year. But the rollout has been slow, leaving families vulnerable to seeing their essential assistance disappear. Though the state has improved its system and is now usually quick to reimburse stolen funds, it’s been extremely challenging for SNAP beneficiaries, the advocates say.
“The longer we wait, the more people go hungry and the more criminals are lining their pockets with Marylanders’ money,” Gilman said.
Theft from ‘poorest of the poor’
Previously known as food stamps, SNAP is the federally funded program that pays a minimum $23 per month and, in Maryland, an average of about $327 per month per household for food purchases. Funds are deposited directly into EBT accounts and can be spent using what’s called the Independence Card. Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including income (for the current year, a family of four with a gross monthly income $3,250 or less or a net monthly income of $2,500 or less could qualify).
“The only people who can qualify for these benefits are the poorest of the poor,” said Cornelia Bright Gordon, director of advocacy for the nonprofit Maryland Legal Aid, which offers legal services to low-income individuals.
When “every dollar is of paramount importance,” she said, it makes the theft of that money that much more painful. Gordon said her group’s clients have seen their monthly food allowances vanish in minutes due to theft. Before changes to state law and the start of an online portal to file claims last year, the process was even more difficult, with victims required to file police reports and other paperwork to make claims, she said.
State Sen. Katie Fry Hester, a Howard County Democrat, said state lawmakers were spurred to act after seeing a spike in theft in 2021 and 2022 — a trend seen across the country as credit card companies adopted more secure chip technology while EBT operators didn’t. A law she sponsored in 2023 required the state to reimburse EBT account holders and implement new security measures, including chip technology by Oct. 1, 2023.
“I never thought we’d hit $24 or $25 million,” Hester said, referring to the amount of reimbursements DHS reported in early May to the state procurement board. That number has since risen, to $25.9 million in reimbursed benefits for theft since Jan. 1, 2021, a Department of Human Services spokesman said Friday. About $17.8 million of that came from federal funds and $8.1 million came from the state.
“It’s a huge amount, and it makes the microchip card that much more important, because it’s the only thing that can fully stop it,” Hester said.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland ranks second in the number of claims of stolen SNAP benefits filed in the last year, at 33,500. That data is reported by states directly and not fully up to date. California, for example, has not reported data but is considered to potentially be the most impacted state. A recent U.S. Department of Justice notice indicated complaints between June 2022 and February 2024 in that state totaled $181 million, and California has just started rolling out chip cards.
Elisabet Eppes, deputy director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, said Department of Human Services “has done a really great job of springing into action” to ensure reimbursements for theft have been awarded easily and quickly. Though families were not originally being reimbursed in full, that policy changed earlier this year and victims of theft have been receiving payments quickly.
But Maryland and its EBT vendor, Conduent State & Local Solutions, also need to “pick up the pace” on the technology, she said.
Eppes said her group has worked with repeat victims of theft, adding “insult upon injury” as the state inches toward implementing chip cards. She said an 18-month timeline ending around mid-2025 for chip cards, indicated in Department of Human Services statements earlier this year, was not fast enough.
“We know that when it comes to services and products that are geared toward lower-income customers, they are seen as second-tier customers and oftentimes the technology that is available is not as modern as it should be,” Eppes said. “We see that as a lack of prioritization from the companies themselves, but we, of course, think Maryland DHS could be doing a better job, as well.”
Inching toward better security
Intermittent steps toward more secure EBT cards have come in a few forms in the last year.
Interactive voice response, or IVR, fraud-detection was incorporated to try to prevent phishing attempts, and an app launched in late 2023, called ConnectEBT, allows cardholders to lock and unlock their cards.
The advocates said the moves have been positive, but haven’t had their full intended effect.
“Any step to reduce this theft is great, but what I’ve heard on the ground is they’re sort of half measures,” Gilman said. “Not all cardholders know about them, not all are able to access or implement them, so having chip cards would be a better solution.”
Eppes said the card-locking and unlocking technology has been a step in the right direction, but it’s only reached a small portion of cardholders.
She said her group works directly with people to submit applications for theft reimbursement, and “something we’ve learned is folks who experienced theft did not know about the ConnectEBT app.”
Other recommendations so far have been frequently changing account passwords, which does not always prevent theft and can lead to users being locked out of their accounts, she said.
Gordon, of Maryland Legal Aid, put it this way: “Security is great, and our clients deserve that. But ease of use of these programs and protections are paramount.”
High stakes, high hurdles
Though the Department of Human Services has begun working with Conduent to implement chip cards, the agency is putting an emphasis on speed in its push Wednesday for a new contract.
The four-year contract worth just under $20 million to continue with the same vendor is being contested by the other major EBT vendor in U.S., Fidelity Information Services LLC, which submitted a $31.3 million bid.
Waiting for Fidelity’s appeal to move forward, however, could result in another delay of nine months to two years — all but ensuring the state is forced to pay back even more in stolen benefits, according to a memo from Department of Human Services officials to the Board of Public Works.
The three-member board consists of Gov. Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck Davis, all Democrats, and contracts that appear on its agenda are almost always approved unanimously, even if they’re contested.
Gilman said it was common for bidders to appeal or sue in response to losing a contract. She appreciated the state’s push to move forward without delay, especially because “the stakes are really high here.”
“It’s about whether children are eating or not,” she said.
See America’s most iconic hot dogs
Welcome to the United States of Hot Dogs! We’ve compiled a few of the best hot dogs eaten across the country.
Although Maryland is often celebrated for its seafood, one over-the-top creation has carved out its own loyal following among locals and visitors alike: The Baltimore-style hot dog.
Sausage is merely its first layer of meat. It’s wrapped in a thick slice of fried beef bologna and piled high with toppings.
It’s proof that while hot dogs are truly an All-American food, their real power lies in how they adapt to local tastes.
Hot dogs were “invented” in the U.S. after German sausages were served in buns. They’re a staple of baseball games — the all-American pastime. And they are truly a democratic food: nearly anyone can afford to enjoy them.
But even more, hot dogs are American because of their adaptability, reflecting the ingenuity and diversity that gives our country such a rich culinary tapestry.
“You can tell the story of America through hot dogs. There are probably other things you could use, other objects or icons, but I think hot dog is a really good one,” said Bruce Kraig, a Ph.D. food historian and author of “Hot Dog: A Global History’ and ‘Man Bites Dog: Hot Dog Culture in America.”
Regional hot dog toppings, from chili in Cincinnati to celery salt in Chicago to jalapeños in the Southwest, tell distinct stories of place.
Here in Baltimore, Maryland, our contribution to the United States of Hot Dogs is the Baltimore-style hot dog.
What is a Baltimore-style hot dog?
At its core, the Baltimore dog is a meat-on-meat masterpiece. It starts with a kosher all-beef sausage that is split, fried and wrapped alongside thick, charred bologna slices.
It’s traditionally topped with raw onions and yellow mustard, with a pickle spear on top or on the side. Some variations include the addition of sweet relish, ketchup or cheese.
“In this creation, grease from the bologna mixes with the grease from the hot dog, and both find their way into the bread to form an unforgettable aroma, taste and aftertaste — and 200 points on your cholesterol count,” Baltimore historian Gilbert Sandler told The Baltimore Sun in a 2019 story.
Where did the Baltimore-style hot dog come from?
Its origins are often somewhat unclear, but it’s believed to have originated during the Great Depression when, according to TasteAtlas.com, “people added bologna slices to the hot dog in order to make it a fuller, heartier meal.”
Jewish delis along Baltimore’s historic “Corned Beef Row” were looking for ways to offer working-class customers a filling, calorie-dense meal for a small chunk of change, leading to the birth of the Baltimore-style hot dog.
First becoming popular in the early 1940s at Mandell and Ballow deli, the bologna-wrapped hot dog spread throughout Baltimore, The Sun reported.
“Despite being a nutritionally questionable combo of two of the world’s least-healthful meats, the bologna dog continues to be a local favorite, enjoyed without apology,” FoodRepublic.com wrote in 2023.
Four best places to try a Baltimore-style hot dog
Attman’s Delicatessen: A Baltimore institution since 1915, Attman’s version of the Baltimore-style hot dog sits at the top of its menu. Its dog — for $7.99 — comes with your choice of mustard, relish, chopped onions and ketchup. Details: 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore; 410-563-2666, attmansdeli.com.
Weiss Deli: Another Baltimore staple, Weiss serves speciality sandwiches and, of course, the Baltimore-style hot dog. You can customize the $7.49 dog with up to eight toppings, but its most popular version comes with just deli mustard and raw onions on top of the bologna-wrapped sausage. Details: 1127 East Lombard St., Baltimore; 410-276-7910, baltimoreweissdeli.com
The Dog House Carryout: A legendary landmark in Baltimore, The Dog House Carryout has been slinging its classic comfort food for more than 75 years. You can get a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog for $6.95, with bologna added for an extra $1.25. The dog comes with your choice of mustard, relish, onions and ketchup. Details: 617 Fallsway, Baltimore; 410-685-7269, thedoghousebaltimore.com
Killa Dogz: Killa Dogz, one of the more modern hot dog spots in the city, offers a wide variety of options, including what it calls the “Bmore” dog. At $7, its version is deep fried, wrapped in bologna and “served on a squishy bun with mustard.” Chili and cheese are among the top ways to customize its dog. Details: 6106 Belair Rd, Baltimore; 443-438-7822. killadogz.com.
Jennifer Borresen contributed the interactive graphic to this story. She is a graphic journalist at USA TODAY, specializing in explanatory graphics and illustrations in various fields, including politics, science, weather and entertainment.
BALTIMORE, MD. – A Hanover man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by lifetime supervised release on Wednesday for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, federal prosecutors announced.
Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr., 22, pleaded guilty in January 2026 after unknowingly revealing a plot to travel abroad and fight for the designated foreign terrorist organization to an undercover law enforcement officer, prosecutors said.
What we know:
Court documents reveal that between March and October 2024, Teekaye coordinated travel arrangements with a Somali ISIS fighter. His itinerary detailed a flight departing from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to Turkey, with subsequent travel through Ethiopia to cross into Somalia.
FBI agents arrested Teekaye at BWI on October 14, 2024, after he cleared airport security, according to previous FOX 5 D.C. reporting.
READ MORE: Maryland man arrested for allegedly attempting to join ISIS
Leading up to his arrest, court documents say that Teekaye prepared for his departure by practicing at a Maryland shooting range and attempting to purchase an assault rifle, which was blocked due to an existing state probation status.
Days before his arrest, Teekaye sent the undercover officer a photograph of himself wearing a mask and wielding a large machete, declaring a choice of “victory or martyrdom.”
Following his arrest, prosecutors say Teekaye made multiple unprovoked statements to law enforcement vowing to resume his violent efforts upon his eventual release from custody and threatening the lives of prison guards.
Dig deeper:
Federal authorities noted that Teekaye established a secondary plan to execute domestic terrorist attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions supporting Israel within Maryland if his international travel failed. A digital forensic search of his phone uncovered specific search histories focused on Jewish organizations and community members in Howard County, alongside queries regarding home break-ins and escaping murder charges.
A local rabbi impacted by the surveillance spoke during the sentencing hearing regarding the threat’s toll on the community.
The Source: Information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and previous FOX 5 D.C. reporting.
Maryland
Governor Moore Announces Awardees for $1.23 Million Investment to Help Maryland Workers Thrive in a Changing Economy
Updated:
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Moore today announced the awardees for the Maryland Lighthouse Industries Upskilling and Reskilling Program, a $1.23M investment that will help Marylanders build skills for careers in high-growth industries increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. The awards, which will support nearly 600 individuals, will go to organizations across Maryland that are expanding workforce training opportunities in the state’s critical lighthouse industries, including life sciences, technology, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing.
“We are setting up Maryland to lead the nation in this rapidly changing economy, and leaving no one behind in the process,” said Gov. Moore. “By investing in lighthouse industries we are empowering and strengthening our workforce to build the necessary skills for jobs of the future shaped by emerging technologies. This program will ensure that pathways to work, wages, and wealth continue to grow across our state.”
Governor Wes Moore announced the Maryland Lighthouse Industries Upskilling and Reskilling Program earlier this year. Funded through the Talent Innovation Fund, this program is part of a $4 million investment that gives Marylanders experience in rapidly-growing sectors increasingly shaped by emerging technologies. This investment funds hands-on learning for workers, supports the state’s long‑term economic competitiveness, expands the talent pipeline for Maryland employers, and positions the state as a destination for companies looking to grow and innovate.
“Maryland is uniquely poised to lead the AI economy because we have a highly-skilled workforce and innovative companies,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Helping more workers to develop leading-edge technology skills will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow and help shape the future of these industries right here in Maryland.”
Through industry-driven partnerships, this program will help Maryland workers gain in-demand technical and transferable skills and ensure Maryland employers have the talent they need to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Awardees and focus areas include:
- BioBuzz Networks, Inc.: Life Sciences (Statewide)
- Davis Unlimited Information Technologies, Inc.: Cybersecurity (Capital Region, Central Maryland)
- HUBZone Council, Inc.: Quantum/AI (Capital Region, Central Maryland, Western Maryland)
- Maryland MEP, Inc.: Manufacturing (Statewide)
- Technology Advancement Center, Inc.: Cybersecurity (Statewide)
- Technology Growth Initiative Inc. dba Fearless Institute: Cybersecurity (Statewide)
- University of Maryland, College Park: Aerospace and Defense (Southern Maryland)
“Maryland MEP is excited and honored to be a part of the lighthouse upskilling program,” said Mike Kelleher, CEO of Maryland MEP, one of the awardees. “This funding will enable manufacturers and manufacturing workers throughout Maryland to receive training in the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and the application of these skills in the manufacturing environment to compete at the global level.”
The Maryland Department of Labor developed this program in consultation with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board—the governor’s chief policy-making body for workforce development.
For more information, visit the Maryland Lighthouse Industries Upskilling and Reskilling Program webpage.
The Moore-Miller administration continues to directly invest in workforce development to prepare for and lead in the new AI economy, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to Maryland’s workforce. In February, Governor Moore announced the Lighthouse Industries and AI Internship program to expand training and experiential learning opportunities in life sciences, technology, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing for college seniors and recent graduates.
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