Following a SNAP fraud investigation conducted by the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service (MDHS), Katrina Harris of Pike County surrendered to authorities for allegedly receiving $69,881.00 in SNAP benefits by not reporting household income and composition accurately to MDHS.
The case was referred to the Pike County District Attorney’s office which secured an indictment on March 5. Harris turned herself into MDHS and Pike County officials on March 26.
The penalty for a forgery and fraud conviction in Mississippi can be stiff, if the value of the money obtained illegally is more than $1,000, then the crime is a felony resulting in jail sentences of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
A Madison County woman received a three year sentence and was order to pay full restitution after she pleaded guilty to SNAP fraud amounting to $30,954 in January 2022. She was also permanently disqualified for any participation in the SNAP and/or TANF program.
Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online any time by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/report-fraud/, calling the Fraud Tip Line at 1-(800)-299-6905, or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.
