A Hattiesburg resident, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., was sentenced in federal court to five years of probation for fraudulently obtaining and using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The sentencing took place on Thursday.
Court records indicate that Williams, 31, unlawfully acquired SNAP benefits in November 2023. He admitted to selling these benefits to others as well as using them for his own purposes. In addition to SNAP, which is a federal program designed to help low- and middle-income families purchase food, Williams also used Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits that are intended for families with children under the age of 18.
Williams has been ordered to pay $38,963.14 in restitution.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge is Matthew Deuchler of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the 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 handling the prosecution.
