7 former state workers charged in food stamp fraud probe

(AP) – Authorities say four former state workers have been charged in a fraud scheme involving almost $1 million in food stamp benefits.

Authorities said Tuesday that Detrich Simmons-Heath of Chestertown, Maryland, Kamilah Laws of Wilmington, Jo Ellen Edwards of Felton and Shirlene Davis of Newark were indicted last week on charges of theft, forgery, falsifying business records and official misconduct.
 
Three other former Department of Health and Social Services workers also have been charged.
 
Officials say the women created more than 100 false cases to procure benefit cards used to purchase food. The investigation reportedly revealed that the fraudulent EBT cards were delivered to State Service Centers in New Castle and Kent County, and intercepted by the suspects working at those locations. Once intercepted, Investigators say the cards were personally used or sold at a discount.

“This case is part of an intensified focus our office is trying to bring to fraud being committed against the state’s public benefit programs,” Attorney General Matt Denn said. “These arrests come as the result of an in-depth investigation, supported by many agencies. We appreciate the cooperation from the Office of the Inspector General and the Audit and Recovery Management Services. From the Department of Justice, I specifically want to thank Deputy Attorneys General Matt Frawley, Phillip Casale, Allison Reardon and Dennis Kelleher, along with Special Investigators Robert Irwin, Brittney Ketler, Frank Robinson, and John Ciritella.”

Nicole Stevens of Dover was arrested last year on similar charges, as well as unlawful use of a payment card.
 
Allison Rivera of Dover and Angelette Brown of Camden were both sentenced to probation in April after pleading guilty.