Nurse SNAP Fraud Charges in Providence RI
Criminal Charges:
Woman charged in the Rhode Island Superior Court for:
- Forgery and Counterfeiting, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-17-1
- Obtaining Property By False Pretenses/Personation > $10,000, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-41-4
- Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance > $500, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 40-6-15
- Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps > $500, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 40-6-16
- Giving False Document to Public Official, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-18-1
Case Overview:
Rhode Island State Police investigated a female nurse for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nurse put in several claims for SNAP benefits. When she submitted the requests, she failed to report both her and her domestic partner’s income. As a result, she received more than $44,000 of SNAP benefits for which she was not financially eligible. Had she disclosed her household income, her claims would have been denied. In response to her actions, police arrested and charged the nurse with Forgery and Counterfeiting, Obtaining Property By False Pretenses/Personation, Fraudulently Obtain Public Assistance, Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps, and Giving False Document to Agent, Employee, or Public Official. After her arrest, she immediately hired Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, and his team to defend her in this matter.
Case Result: 3-Years Deferred Sentence.
The nurse also faced adverse action from the Department of Health against her nursing license, if convicted of these felony charges. Unsuccessfully able to get the woman into the Rhode Island Superior Court Adult Diversion Program, Attorney Calcagni and his team successfully persuaded prosecutors to resolve this case with a deferred sentence. A deferred sentence calls for a defendant’s acceptance of criminal responsibility but does not result in the imposition of any punishment or sentence. Sentencing is deferred for a period ranging from one to five years. In this case, the nurse received a 3-year deferred sentence with the condition that she repay the unauthorized SNAP benefits that she received. Providing she is not charged with a new offense during the deferment period and pays back full restitution, she will be eligible to have the charges sealed or expunged, leaving her with a clean record and enabling her to avoid any adverse consequences to her nursing license.