JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Millions of families depend on food assistance programs, like Electronic Benefits Transfer cards or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, to get their next meal.
But some people are selling their cards for cash.
John Ackley, 56, was arrested Monday in connection with a 2017 public assistance fraud investigation for EBT trafficking in Jacksonville.
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The report said he had someone sell his SNAP benefit card, which was worth $250, in exchange for $145 in cash.
Action News Jax has investigated abuse of EBT cards since 2012.
After our reports, the state passed laws banning people from using state benefits at strip clubs and liquor stores.
The Florida Department of Children and Families said it’s actively working to fight food stamp fraud.
Data from the most recent years available reveals in 2017 and 2018, the agency saved taxpayers over $300 million.
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