Shermeca McCrary, a Wayne County resident and former Johnston County Social Services case worker, was sentenced on April 21 to six months in prison and three years of supervised release for stealing more than $100,000 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She was also ordered to pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $102,000.
The sentencing highlights efforts by federal authorities to address fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs. The Department of Justice recently announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division to investigate and prosecute those who misuse government benefits. These actions support broader government initiatives aimed at eliminating fraud within federal benefit programs.
According to court documents, McCrary used her position at Johnston County Social Services to unlawfully access SNAP accounts belonging to qualified individuals and diverted government funds for personal use. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II issued the sentence. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), along with local law enforcement agencies, investigated the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecutes federal crimes and litigates civil matters to protect communities according to its official website. The office promotes community safety through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and employs 119 staff members including attorneys and support personnel according to its official website.
The district covers 44 easternmost counties in North Carolina—including areas with major military installations like Fort Bragg—and operates six federal courthouses in cities such as Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, New Bern, Greenville and Elizabeth City according to its official website. It is part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
Boyle said that "the USDA OIG, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Department of Social Services Program Integrity are investigating this case," while Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting.
