Federal prosecutors said that two individuals improperly used SNAP EBT benefit cards worth about $191,000.
Court documents reveal that Nadine Jean Baptiste, a DHS supervisor, and her daughter, Octavia Jean Baptiste, used stolen EBT card information to buy personal items at stores like Walmart, Market Basket in Warwick, and Stop & Shop in Cranston.
Both face charges of aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, illegal use of SNAP benefits, and conspiracy. Nadine was arrested at her DHS office on Tuesday and released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Octavia was arrested later that day at the Pastore Building by U.S. Marshals and also released on an unsecured bond.
The investigation started in September 2023 after complaints from SNAP recipients who hadn’t received their EBT cards. These cards are sent by mail or given in person at DHS offices for those without permanent addresses.
A DHS spokesperson stated that the department played an active role in the investigation, which was a joint effort with the Department of Administration’s Office of Internal Audit, the Fraud Detection and Prevention Unit, and federal law enforcement. They are committed to protecting these benefits for Rhode Islanders.
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