Three local residents are facing charges of food stamp fraud after the latest session of the Scioto County Grand Jury.
According to court records, Ashley Benham, 27, of South Webster, Ohio, defrauded the state out of $7,632 in SNAP assistance. She’s charged with grand theft, illegal use of SNAP benefits, and telecommunications fraud.
Also facing charges is Portsmouth resident Christie Stapleton, 35. She’s charged with illegal use of SNAP benefits, receiving stolen property, and telecommunications fraud. According to the indictment, Stapleton knowingly used a stolen EBT cart at the Portsmouth Kroger on two separate occasions.
Larry Weaver, 51, also of Portsmouth, is accused of accompanying Stapleton to the store and using the stolen EBT card. He is also charged with illegal use of SNAP benefits, receiving stolen property, and telecommunications fraud.
Stapleton is due in Scioto County Common Pleas Court on December 12 for an arraignment. Weaver’s arraignment is set for December 19.
