Press Releases

“This former USDA employee was sentenced to two years in prison for exploiting his privileged position to steal from American taxpayers.  Insider threats are a disgrace to the civil service.  USDA OIG alongside the WH Task Force to Eliminate Fraud will go after fraudsters regardless of who they are or what position they hold.  I commend Special Agent in Charge Jeldrys Lowry, her team of special agents, and federal partners for bringing this criminal to justice.” - Inspector General John Walk.

“This investigation determined that the defendant defrauded SNAP of over $300,000. When government benefits are defrauded, especially by those in positions of public trust, it negatively affects those who need it most. Our collaborative work to combat this type of fraud and promote the integrity of government programs remains a priority,” said USDA OIG Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker.

“This investigation exposed a dangerous criminal operation involving organized dog fighting activities that inflicted horrific abuse on animals while also serving as a breeding ground for other serious criminal activity such as the narcotics and firearms violations that this defendant engaged in,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “This case demonstrates USDA OIG’s commitment to aggressively pursuing those who profit from animal cruelty, and we thank our law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked with us to ensure this defendant was held accountable.”

“State and federal collaboration is essential to hold fraudsters accountable who steal from federal programs like SNAP. I commend Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald for his work to convene the Southeast Regional Fraud Enforcement Partnership. As Inspector General of USDA, I was proud to join USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden in standing shoulder to shoulder with the DOJ National Fraud Enforcement Division, United States attorneys, state attorneys general, federal and state law enforcement agencies, and other state and federal partners in the Southeast against fraud. I look forward to continuing our work with these dedicated state and federal partners to bring fraudsters to justice.” - USDA Inspector General John Walk

“Criminals who conspire to steal food assistance dollars from needy Americans to enrich themselves are disgraceful and will be held to account. This was a years-long scheme that amounted to more than $19 million in taxpayer funds being stolen. Outrageous,” said Inspector General John Walk of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Working with our law enforcement partners, USDA OIG is a proud partner in the fight to end SNAP fraud.”

“USDA OIG was proud to partner with the U.S. Marshals in Iowa to identify and arrest 12 violent criminal fugitives. Operation Heatwave sends a clear message that federal law enforcement together with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud will not allow criminals to flee from justice and exploit taxpayer funded programs. We will continue to work with the U.S. Marshals to swiftly bring fugitives to justice and end their fraudulent exploitation,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.

“Trade fraud directly undermines American agriculture, disadvantages law-abiding domestic producers, and threatens the integrity of our national food and agricultural supply chains,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “Partnering with the Department of Justice and the whole of the TFTF’s law enforcement apparatus allows USDA OIG to leverage advanced data analytics and cross-border law enforcement tools. Together, we will ensure that actors throughout the supply chain who attempt to evade customs duties or circumvent U.S. trade laws face full accountability under federal law.”

“A program designed to remedy wrongdoing instead turned into another vector for criminals to defraud the taxpayer. The USDA Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring taxpayer money is wisely spent. Those who steal from the public can expect to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.