Providence, RI – In a significant federal investigation, a Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI DHS) supervisor and her daughter face charges related to an elaborate scheme to defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, that Nadine Jean Baptiste, 57, of Warwick, RI, and her daughter, Octavia Jean Baptiste, are being charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
Nadine Jean Baptiste, who held a supervisory position at RI DHS, is accused of exploiting her role to gain unauthorized access to the personal information and EBT balance details of SNAP recipients. Prosecutors allege that Jean Baptiste conducted unauthorized balance inquiries and frequently changed PIN numbers associated with the EBT cards of individuals, many of whom were vulnerable, such as juveniles, homeless, or incarcerated individuals. According to the investigation, SNAP benefits totaling approximately $191,000 were improperly accessed and used by the Jean Baptistes for personal purchases.
The scheme came to light in September 2023 when the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit received numerous complaints through the Internal Audit Fraud Hotline. SNAP recipients reported that they never received EBT cards that had been issued to them, triggering a wider investigation. EBT cards are typically mailed to recipients or distributed in person, particularly to homeless individuals, but the fraudulent manipulation of account details obstructed rightful access to the benefits.
Nadine Jean Baptiste was arrested earlier in the day at her place of employment, while an arrest warrant has been issued for her daughter, Octavia Jean Baptiste. Both face multiple charges, including the illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits. A court appearance is scheduled for Nadine Jean Baptiste before a U.S. Magistrate.
The case was a collaborative effort between several federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, and the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit’s Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit. Additional support came from the U.S. Marshals Service and local police departments.
U.S. Attorney Cunha emphasized that a federal criminal complaint is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
