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A former Department of Human Services (DHS) worker in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly stealing public assistance benefits. Eboni Royster and her alleged co-conspirator, Justin Brown, are accused of misusing their access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
According to the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG), Royster, who worked at the Lancaster County Assistance Office, used her employee access to change the PIN numbers of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards belonging to clients. She then allegedly spent over $6,000 using these cards at food stores across Lancaster and York counties. The OSIG stated that six EBT cards were involved in the unauthorized purchases, totaling $6,570.25.
Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams emphasized the breach of trust, stating, "This case represents a serious breach of public trust by someone whose job was to help benefits clients, not exploit them." The Lancaster County Assistance Office discovered the fraud when they noticed that EBT cards were being activated and used before being delivered by mail.
Royster faces 15 charges, including felony counts of theft, criminal use of a communication facility, and conspiracy, along with misdemeanor charges of access device fraud. Brown also faces charges, including conspiracy and identity theft. Both are awaiting preliminary hearings.
State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry expressed gratitude for the collaboration with law enforcement, stating, "Those who betray the public trust will be held accountable." The OSIG has investigated over 62,000 applications for public assistance fraud since the beginning of the Shapiro administration.