Food stamp fraud cases could net the state more than $300,000

Nearly 100 cases of food stamp fraud uncovered in the past year could result in more than $300,000 being returned to the state, state officials said Friday.

S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson said restitution totaling $337,392 has been ordered in 99 cases involving abuse of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Since the launch of an operation a year ago targeting food stamp fraud, 99 defendants have pleaded guilty, Wilson said. Fraudulent acquisition or use of food stamps is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $500.

Of the $337,392 ordered to be returned to the state in 2015, more than $19,663 has been paid so far, Wilson said.

Sarah Ellis

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 10:21 PM with the headline "Food stamp fraud cases could net the state more than $300,000."