A Berkeley County woman has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of more than $18,700 over two years.
The Arrest
Danyelle Antionette Simmons, 33, was taken into custody on May 18 by Special Agents with the South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Office of Inspector General. She was booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center and faces one felony count of Fraudulent Acquisition or Use of Food Stamps greater than $10,000.
Details of the Fraud
Investigators say Simmons underreported her income on five SNAP certification and recertification forms between February 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024. She allegedly failed to report wages earned from her employment with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, resulting in an over-issuance of $18,712 in benefits.
Prosecution
The case will be prosecuted by the 9th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office. DSS emphasized that its Office of Inspector General is committed to preventing fraud and encourages the public to report suspected abuses. Simmons is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
