A Hattiesburg resident, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., was sentenced in federal court to five years of probation for fraudulently obtaining and using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The sentencing took place on Thursday.
Court records show that Williams, 31, unlawfully acquired SNAP benefits in November 2023. He admitted to selling these benefits to others as well as using them himself. SNAP is a federal program aimed at helping low- and middle-income families buy food.
Williams also acknowledged using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits, which are meant for low-income families with children under the age of 18.
In addition to probation, Williams was ordered to pay $38,963.14 in restitution.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge is Matthew Deuchler of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement."
The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted.
