A Minnesota woman received a federal prison sentence after a years-long SNAP fraud scheme that siphoned more than $325,000 from taxpayer-funded food assistance programs. The case highlights ongoing concerns about abuse within federal welfare systems and enforcement efforts to protect public resources.
Latasha Thomas, 39, was sentenced last week to one year in prison after being convicted on one count of mail fraud. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen announced the sentence Friday, confirming that Thomas was ordered to repay $325,159 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funds were stolen from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.
Federal prosecutors said the SNAP fraud scheme ran for roughly two years and involved Thomas conspiring with her daughter, Ambrosia Thomas, and a relative, Cynthia Thomas. The group unlawfully obtained Electronic Benefit Transfer cards by submitting applications using fake Minnesota temporary driver’s licenses created with false names.
Authorities said the conspirators falsely claimed the benefit recipients were women experiencing “high risk pregnancy” and confined to bedrest in order to increase monthly SNAP allotments. Prosecutors also reported the use of fake doctor’s notes to further inflate benefit amounts.
The EBT cards were mailed to Cynthia Thomas’ apartment in Roseville, Minnesota, where she allegedly lived under the alias “Sofia Gold.” During a search of the apartment, law enforcement found mail and instructions tied to multiple pseudonyms used in the operation.
Investigators said the trio withdrew funds from ATMs, made purchases, and sold access to EBT cards to others. Customers paid fees of roughly 50 to 60 percent of the card’s monthly balance.
Cynthia Thomas was convicted last year and sentenced to three years of probation. Ambrosia Thomas has agreed to plead guilty, with sentencing still pending.
