Beaufort County Woman Arrested for Fraudulently Receiving SNAP Benefits Worth Over $12,000
BEAUFORT COUNTY, Sc. –
A woman from Beaufort County has been taken into custody for fraudulently obtaining more than $12,000 in financial assistance from the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
South Carolina’s Department of Social Services conducted the arrest of 45-year-old Marcia Marie Kidd, also known as Monica Kidd Coleman, who had reportedly received SNAP benefits amounting to $12,571. She has since been incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
Fraudulent Charges
Kidd stands accused of one count of Fraudulent Acquisition or Use of Food Stamps, a charge applicable when the amount involved exceeds $10,000. If found guilty, she may be subjected to severe fines or imprisonment or both, depending on the norms prescribed by the state law.
Judicial Process
The 14th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office is set to look into the prosecution of the case. While the exact details of the charges and potential penalties are yet to be released, fraudulent uses of SNAP benefits are generally treated as serious criminal offenses under South Carolina law.
About SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal assistance program of the United States Department of Agriculture. It provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This aid can be used to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores. However, fraudulent use of these benefits, such as selling or trading the benefits, and lying on an application to get more benefits, are considered federal crimes and state violations.
Investigations into this case are ongoing and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
