A woman from Berkeley County, South Carolina, has been accused of cheating the government by taking food stamp benefits she was not eligible for. Authorities say she did this by not reporting her or her husband’s income over a period of four years.
What Happened?
Tabatha Brook Wyndham, a 33-year-old woman, is facing serious legal trouble after she was charged with food stamp fraud. According to officials from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Wyndham received over $34,000 (about ₹28 lakh) in food stamps by providing false information about her finances.
From August 2018 to July 2022, Wyndham reportedly submitted eight different forms that did not mention either her job or her husband’s income. Because of this, she received government assistance that she did not qualify for.
How the Authorities Found Out
The fraud was discovered by agents of the DSS who reviewed her application history. They found that she had failed to share full and honest details about her earnings. These missing income details led to her receiving $34,419 in benefits that should have gone to families who really needed them.
Once the fraud was confirmed, Wyndham was arrested and booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center. Her case will now be handled by the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which deals with legal prosecutions in that area.
What is Food Stamp Fraud?
Food stamp fraud happens when someone lies or hides information in order to receive government help through food stamps, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It is illegal and considered a serious crime because it takes resources away from honest families who need help buying food.
Legal Consequences
Since the amount involved in Wyndham’s case is more than $10,000, the charges are very serious. If proven guilty, she could face heavy penalties, including fines and even jail time. The legal process will determine her final punishment.
