A woman from Canton, Mississippi, has admitted to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi announced that Nya Irving, also known as Nya Carter, age 25, pleaded guilty last week in federal court.
Court documents show that Irving unlawfully acquired and used SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits during October and November 2023. At the time, she was employed as a Customer Service Representative at Conduent from September 26, 2022, until November 20, 2023. Authorities said she exploited her position to access and obtain benefits belonging to recipients across several states—including Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and Tennessee—without authorization.
According to officials, Irving provided EBT card data to Velton Taylor Williams Jr., who received a five-year probation sentence last week for his involvement in the scheme. Both used the stolen SNAP and TANF benefits for personal purposes. The unauthorized amount obtained by Irving totaled $41,587.87 in SNAP funds and $975.19 in TANF funds. These programs are designed to help low-income families with children afford basic needs.
Irving pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud charges. She is scheduled for sentencing on December 9, 2025. She faces up to 20 years in prison; however, her final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Deuchler of the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General made the announcement.”
The case is being investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the matter.
