Officials in DeSoto County have taken four people into custody on a combined 16 charges connected to welfare fraud.
The suspects are accused of fraudulently obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, reportedly defrauding the state out of more than $131,000 in taxpayer-funded assistance. All were apprehended by authorities as part of “Operation SNAP Trap.”
The individuals indicted include:
- Lashonda Smith – five counts, $52,053
- Tiffany Harrell – five counts, $30,443
- Syerra Lynks – three counts, $30,853
- Stephanie Wright – three counts, $18,114
“Welfare assistance benefits are meant to support low-income individuals and families who genuinely need them. These individuals exploited the system, stealing from taxpayers and undermining the integrity of the program designed to assist those in need,” District Attorney Matthew Barton said.
“I want to express my gratitude to the MDHS Office of Inspector General, MDHS agents, my team, and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department for their thorough work on this operation. We are committed to holding accountable those who defraud the taxpayers of Mississippi.”
Per a release from Barton’s office, Operation SNAP Trap underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement and state agencies to combat fraud and protect public resources. Investigations are ongoing, and further charges or arrests may follow.
