A Hattiesburg resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation for unlawfully obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The sentence was handed down on Thursday.
Court documents and statements presented during the hearing indicate that Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., 31, acquired and used SNAP benefits without authorization in November 2023. Williams admitted to both selling the benefits to others and using them for personal purposes. In addition, he acknowledged using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits, which are intended for low-income families with children under 18.
SNAP, previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal initiative designed to help eligible low- and middle-income families purchase food.
Williams was ordered to pay $38,963.14 in restitution as part of his sentence.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge is Matthew Deuchler of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.”
The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
