Government: Food Stamp Fraud Victimizes Hungry

A central Ohio carryout was surrounded by state agents on Friday after allegations of food stamp fraud.

According to investigators, a west Columbus carryout paid cash for food stamp cards during three separate stings, 10TV’s Maureen Kocot reported.

“It’s not uncommon for us to receive complaints and complete investigations where the allegation is a recipient, a mother, a father, are trading their benefits for drugs,” State Agent Sue Ann Cook said.

10TV News worked with undercover investigators as they cracked down on food stamp fraud, Kocot reported.

At a Weber Road store, a clerk refused to break the rules.

Another store allowed an undercover agent to use her card to purchase 5-Hour Energy drinks, a forbidden item.

According to agents, the state could revoke the store’s liquor license because of the food stamp violations.

Agents said that they would keep making random checks at grocery stores and carryouts, Kocot reported.

“Do the right thing and sell the families the food they need,” Cook said. “It’s the best way to stay in business.”

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