The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the indictment of Ionut Popovici, a 33-year-old Romanian national. The federal grand jury charged him on May 28, 2025, with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. These charges are related to alleged fraudulent activities targeting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which assists low-income individuals in purchasing groceries.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment claims Popovici used stolen SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card information at Sam’s Club stores located in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg between March 4 and 5, 2023. During this time, he is accused of illegally acquiring goods worth thousands of dollars.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is leading the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. This operation coordinates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Popovici faces a maximum penalty under federal law that includes up to twenty years in prison, supervised release following imprisonment, and fines. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
