At Least 40 People Face Federal Charges in Oregon SNAP Fraud Schemes Exceeding $3 Million

PORTLAND, Ore. — At least 40 people are facing federal charges in Oregon for allegedly participating in schemes that stole more than $3 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through fraudulent purchases using stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced the latest developments Wednesday, Oct. 21, including multiple new guilty pleas, 11 new indictments and significant federal sentences in two major interstate fraud investigations.

According to prosecutors, the schemes involved stealing EBT card numbers and personal identification numbers, often through skimming devices installed on retail payment terminals. The stolen information was then used to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of SNAP-eligible goods, which were stored, transported across state lines and resold on the black market.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” Bradford said. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk said the schemes not only deprived eligible families of food assistance but also raised public health and safety concerns because products such as infant formula were allegedly sold through unauthorized markets.

Walk credited federal investigators and law enforcement partners with disrupting the operations and pursuing those responsible.

More than $2.4 million stolen in first major scheme

In October 2024, a federal grand jury in Oregon charged 17 people in a scheme prosecutors say stole more than $2.4 million in SNAP benefits between August 2023 and October 2024.

Investigators allege the group used skimming devices and other methods to obtain EBT account information before using the stolen accounts to purchase large quantities of infant formula, energy drinks and other SNAP-eligible products.

The purchases occurred in Oregon, Washington and California and included orders made through curbside pickup services.

Authorities said the group obtained more than 120,000 pounds of merchandise using stolen benefits. The goods were stored at locations in Oregon and Washington before being transported to California for black-market sales.

All 17 defendants were arrested in October 2024.

In September 2026, defendant Ana Escalante, who helped transport the stolen merchandise across state lines, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.

As of Wednesday, 12 defendants had been sentenced to a combined 157 months in prison. Two additional defendants had pleaded guilty and were awaiting sentencing in December 2026.

Second scheme involved estimated $700,000 in losses

A separate investigation led to a 26-count federal indictment in November 2025 charging Alexandru Telescu and 11 other people in an alleged scheme involving stolen EBT account information.

Prosecutors estimate the scheme caused approximately $700,000 in losses.

Beginning in April 2025, the group allegedly used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs, along with information obtained through skimming devices placed on retail payment terminals, to purchase SNAP-eligible merchandise in Oregon, Washington and California.

Investigators allege the defendants repeatedly used victims’ benefits to make purchases, stored some merchandise in storage units and transported other goods to California in vans and trucks.

Telescu pleaded guilty to access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft on Sept. 29, 2026. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2027.

Co-defendants Aramis Manolea and Cristina Manolea previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy. Both were sentenced in May 2026 to time served, followed by three years of supervised release.

New indictments and additional charges

The latest round of federal cases includes an indictment against Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi.

A federal grand jury indicted Kehi on Oct. 7, 2026, on charges of conspiracy to commit access-device fraud and possession of device-making equipment. Prosecutors allege he installed skimming devices on payment terminals in Washington County to steal customers’ card information.

Federal grand juries also charged 10 additional defendants in September and October 2026 with unauthorized use of access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to prosecutors, each of those cases involves allegations that defendants used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs during 2024 to obtain merchandise valued at more than $1,000 using benefits taken from SNAP recipients.

The estimated combined losses in those cases total approximately $143,000.

The charges are part of a broader federal effort to investigate and prosecute organized groups accused of stealing public assistance benefits across state lines.

Multiple agencies involved in investigations

The investigations have involved a coordinated effort among several federal, state and local agencies, including the USDA Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Multiple police departments and state agencies have also assisted with the investigations and prosecutions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon said it will continue working with law enforcement partners to identify and dismantle organized networks involved in SNAP fraud, protect eligible recipients and safeguard taxpayer funds.