Philadelphia Man Charged SNAP Benefit Fraud and Theft of Government Fund

Matthew Philip, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by Information with one count of SNAP benefit fraud and one count of theft of government funds, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Information, from January 2013 through December 2016, the defendant unlawfully exchanged cash for SNAP benefits. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of more than $3,500,000.

If convicted, the defendant faces a term of imprisonment, a period of supervised release, restitution to the government, a $260,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.

An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.