Four people in Scioto County are facing serious charges after being indicted for illegally using government food assistance programs meant to help low-income families put food on the table.
Who’s Facing Charges?
Two pairs of co-defendants were indicted in Scioto County Common Pleas Court on separate cases involving alleged fraud with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.
Case 1: The Hudsons
- Rava Hudson, 30, and Zachary Hudson, 29, both of McDermott, Ohio, are accused of illegally soliciting, possessing, buying, selling, using, or altering government food benefits.
- According to the indictment, the pair illegally handled more than $7,500 in benefits between January 2024 and January 2025.
They’re due in court for arraignment on May 1.
Case 2: York and Dixon
- Jeanie York, 22, and Cameron Dixon, 21, both of Portsmouth, are also facing charges related to the illegal use of SNAP and WIC benefits.
- The indictment claims Dixon defrauded the program over a 15-month period, from December 2022 through March 2024.
Their court date is set for April 30.
What Are SNAP and WIC?
Both programs are lifelines for struggling Ohioans:
- SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) provides monthly benefits on an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and more.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) offers targeted assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, including healthy food, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare.
These programs are strictly regulated, and selling or misusing benefits is considered a serious offense.
What Penalties Could They Face?
In Ohio, illegal use of SNAP or WIC benefits over $7,500 can be charged as a felony, carrying potential prison time and fines. Convictions can also lead to disqualification from future assistance programs and restitution orders to repay the stolen funds.
Prosecutors say these cases not only drain taxpayer dollars but also hurt those who genuinely rely on these programs to survive.
Why It Matters
With food insecurity still a major issue in southern Ohio, abusing public assistance programs erodes trust and threatens the support system for thousands of families. These indictments are part of a broader effort to crack down on fraud and misuse, ensuring help goes to those who truly need it.
Scioto County officials have not released further details, but all four individuals are expected to enter pleas during their upcoming arraignments.