Woman busted for fraud
A Neshoba County woman is out on bond after she was arrested earlier this month following a food stamp fraud investigation, the authorities said.
The woman, April Long, 33, o11711 Highway 482, is accused of allegedly receiving $46,270.00 in SNAP benefits by not reporting household income and composition accurately according to the Investigations Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Service.
“This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs,” according to MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson.
Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the case was referred to the Neshoba County District Attorney’s office, MDHS officials said. The Neshoba County District Attorney secured an indictment on April 25, and she was later apprehended by Neshoba County officials on May 1, officials said.
“This is a great example of collaboration between our investigations team, county office, and local law enforcement,” said MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith.
Nehsoba County Jail records show Long posted a $10,000 bond the following afternoon.
MDHS officials said the investigation was initiated after they received an anonymous tip.
The authorities allege that Long received monthly installments of SNAP funds between May 2016 and June 2022.
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.