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Another Food Stamp Abuser Caught By Feds

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A Missouri woman pleaded guilty to one felony count of mail fraud in connection to stealing $52,267 in food stamp benefits, according to reports Monday.

Pamela O’Dell used her position at the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) to manipulate the food stamp system. She was tasked as an eligibility specialist with processing food stamp applications, reports the local CBS affiliate. When recipients reported to her they no longer needed benefits, she changed their addresses to her office so she could get the benefits cards.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards replaced printed food stamps as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2004. The cards are similar to personal debit cards, except they can only be used to purchased authorized items like food and basic necessities. O’Dell reportedly converted the cards for her own use between 2009 and 2014.

The food stamp program is the largest food assistance welfare service in the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the program in coordination with state agencies. DSS and the USDA led the investigation that uncovered the scheme.

The USDA estimates the program has increased from 17 million participants in 2000 to nearly 47 million in 2014. The improved economy has helped decrease the number of participants in recent years. The Congressional Budget Office found, since participation hit its peak in December 2012, the number of people receiving benefits has declined by more than 1.5 million.

O’Dell is scheduled to be sentenced June 20.

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