Michigan’s investigation into a massive $4 million food stamp fraud scheme has taken a significant step forward with the arrest of three additional individuals. Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan’s top law enforcement official, revealed that this elaborate criminal operation involved the theft of personal data from individuals across multiple states, which was then exploited to defraud food assistance programs.

The newly charged suspects, Charles Williams (35), Darian Palmer (22), and Rashawn Stewart, all hailing from Detroit, face serious allegations. Each of them is confronted with five counts of Food Stamp Fraud and one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. These individuals now join a list of previously charged suspects that includes Travis Newby (39) of Detroit, Derriun Williams (23) of Detroit, and Vanessa Williams (47) of Highland Park, who were accused of felony Criminal Enterprise charges back in May.

The Attorney General’s office contends that this fraudulent ring illicitly acquired electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card data from approximately 8,000 individuals, primarily located in California but with some victims residing in Michigan. Subsequently, the operation allegedly reproduced these food stamp cards within Michigan and then conducted fraudulent transactions at Sam’s Club stores in the Metro Detroit area.

This complex investigation unfolded on May 24, with the execution of search warrants at eight different locations in the region. Attorney General Nessel emphasized the broader implications of such organized retail crimes, stating that they cost Michigan’s businesses and consumers millions of dollars annually.

This investigation was the result of collaborative efforts involving Michigan’s state health department, inspector general’s office, and security officials from Sam’s Club. These entities worked in tandem with Nessel’s office, which boasts an organized retail crime unit dedicated to collaborating with businesses and local law enforcement agencies.

Notably, this unit, established as the first of its kind in the nation, commenced its operations in January. Its primary objective is to target criminal enterprises engaged in stealing from retailers and repackaging stolen products for profit. It includes two full-time assistant attorneys general who are instrumental in prosecuting these complex cases.

Local law enforcement and retailers who possess evidence of organized retail fraud are actively encouraged to reach out to the Attorney General’s FORCE team via email, demonstrating Michigan’s commitment to combating these damaging criminal activities.