Randy Welch of Michigan and Earnest Morant of Harrisburg were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17 for allegedly conspiring to commit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits fraud, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The indictment alleges that Welch and Morant worked together to submit fraudulent SNAP applications using stolen personal information, then exchanged electronic benefit transfer cards for cash. This case is part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat fraud involving taxpayer dollars.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said that Welch obtained names, social security numbers, and other personally identifiable information from numerous individuals. He allegedly used this data to apply for SNAP benefits through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The department then issued multiple EBT cards in those individuals’ names to addresses specified by Welch.
One address was reportedly Morant’s home in Harrisburg, where he received many of these EBT cards before mailing them to other conspirators who sold them for cash. The Department of Justice has established the National Fraud Enforcement Division with a mission "to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars." These efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, described as "a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs."
Conspiracy charges related to SNAP benefits can result in up to five years in prison under federal law; actual SNAP benefits fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted. Sentencing will be determined by a judge after consideration of relevant statutes and guidelines.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecutes federal crimes—including cases like this—and manages civil litigation on behalf of the government while offering victim support services according to its official website. Its jurisdiction covers 33 counties across central Pennsylvania spanning over 21,900 square miles according to its official website, serving approximately 3.2 million residents according to its official website with offices located in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre according to its official website. Community safety initiatives include Project Safe Neighborhoods as well as re-entry services aimed at reducing recidivism according to its official website.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting this case following an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Authorities remind that indictments are only allegations: "All persons charged are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in court."
