Oregon SNAP Fraud Crackdown, 40 People Charged in EBT Theft Schemes Involving More Than $3 Million

Federal prosecutors in Oregon say at least 40 people have faced federal charges in a series of SNAP fraud cases involving more than $3 million in fraudulent food-benefit purchases. Investigators allege that groups used stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs) to buy large quantities of groceries, including infant formula, and then resold the goods for profit.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced the latest developments on October 21, 2026, reporting new indictments, guilty pleas and prison sentences across several investigations. They include an interstate operation that allegedly stole more than $2.4 million in SNAP benefits, a separate skimming investigation with estimated losses of $700,000, and additional cases involving stolen card data.

The 40-person figure covers multiple criminal cases, not one indictment filed on October 21. Some defendants have been sentenced or pleaded guilty, and others have pending charges. A separate national DOJ announcement the same day reported nearly $42 million in SNAP-related intended losses across several states. That is a different, broader figure.

An indictment is an accusation, not proof of guilt. Each defendant’s status depends on his or her own case.

Oregon SNAP Fraud Cases: Quick Facts

Detail	Verified information
Announcing agency	U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon
Announcement date	October 21, 2026
People covered	At least 40 across multiple cases
Reported fraudulent SNAP purchases	More than $3 million, according to the Oregon announcement
Main alleged method	EBT card skimming and stolen card numbers and PINs
Main products purchased	Infant formula, energy drinks and other SNAP-eligible nonperishable goods
States involved in major schemes	Oregon, Washington and California
Largest highlighted case	United States v. Ramirez Dumitru et al., No. 3:24-cr-00383-AN (17 defendants; more than $2.4 million in benefits; more than 120,000 pounds of goods)
Second major case	United States v. Alexandru Telescu et al., No. 3:25-cr-00467-IM (12 defendants charged; $700,000 estimated losses)
New indictment highlighted	United States v. Kehi (case number not stated in the announcement)
Additional defendants charged September to October 2026	10, with about $143,000 in estimated losses
Sentences reported in the 2024 case	12 defendants sentenced to a combined 157 months
Compensation program for EBT theft victims	None announced
Current status	Multiple cases at different stages

What Happened in Oregon’s $2.4 Million SNAP Fraud Case?

A federal grand jury indicted 17 people in October 2024 in United States v. Ramirez Dumitru et al., No. 3:24-cr-00383-AN. According to the charging announcement, the alleged conspiracy ran from August 2023 through October 2024. Investigators said the group used skimming devices and other methods to get EBT account information, then used stolen accounts to buy groceries at stores in Oregon, Washington and California, including through online grocery services with curbside pickup.

The government said the group acquired more than 120,000 pounds of merchandise with more than $2.4 million in stolen benefits. The goods were allegedly stored at homes and storage units in Oregon and Washington, packaged and trucked to California for resale. Prosecutors described an organized operation with people who obtained account data, bought goods, stored them, transported them across state lines and sold them, not a single person using someone else’s card.

What Happened to the 17 Defendants?

As of October 21, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that:

• Twelve defendants had been sentenced to a combined 157 months in prison.
• Two others had pleaded guilty and were awaiting sentencing in December 2026.
• Ana Patricia Escalante, described by prosecutors as a leader of a transport crew that collected and shipped the goods, was sentenced in September 2026 to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.

The update did not provide a status for each of the 17, so it would be inaccurate to say every person originally charged has been convicted or sentenced.

Why Was Infant Formula Central to the Alleged Scheme?

Infant formula is high-demand, shelf-stable and easy to store and transport in bulk. Prosecutors said the goods were collected, warehoused and shipped for resale on the black market. Beyond the financial loss, the alleged resale channel raised concerns about handling, traceability and the safety of formula entering informal markets.

What Is the Separate $700,000 Case Against Alexandru Telescu?

United States v. Alexandru Telescu et al., No. 3:25-cr-00467-IM, began with a November 2025 charge against Telescu and 11 others in a 26-count indictment involving stolen EBT account information and PINs. The October 2026 update put estimated losses for the investigation at $700,000. The November 2025 charging announcement had described more than $160,000 in stolen benefits at that earlier stage, so the figures reflect different stages of the investigation and should not be treated as the same measure.

According to charging materials, the alleged activity began in April 2025 and involved skimming devices placed on retail payment terminals in Oregon and elsewhere. Examples cited in the charging materials include:

• About 231 fraudulent SNAP transactions through a Sam’s Club account in California between July 4 and October 13, 2025, totaling about $102,000.
• About $8,739 obtained using 10 EBT accounts at Oregon retail stores between September 5 and 9, 2025, by Aramis Manolea and a co-conspirator.
• An alleged skimming device installed on a payment terminal in Tigard, Oregon, on September 23, 2025, by Telescu and co-defendant Andy Perovici.

These are allegations from charging documents and do not show that every defendant played the same role.

Current Status

• Alexandru Telescu pleaded guilty on September 29, 2026 to access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Sentencing is set for January 28, 2027.
• Aramis Manolea and Cristina Manolea each pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were sentenced in May 2026 to time served plus three years of supervised release.

What Are the New Oregon Indictments?

The October 21 announcement highlighted 11 new indictments: one against Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi and cases against 10 additional defendants.

Kehi was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 7, 2026. The government alleges he installed skimming devices on payment terminals in Washington County, Oregon to steal customers’ card data. The announced charges include conspiracy to commit access-device fraud and possession of device-making equipment. The release did not give a case number or evidence details.

The 10 additional defendants were charged in September and October 2026 with unauthorized use of access devices and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors allege each used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs in 2024 and obtained more than $1,000 in merchandise. Estimated losses across those cases total $143,000. The release did not name these defendants or give case numbers, so no conduct should be attributed to any specific person without the charging documents.

How Does EBT Skimming Work?

A skimming device is attached to or placed over a legitimate card reader and captures card data when a card is swiped or inserted. A hidden camera or another method may capture the PIN. The data can then be written onto a counterfeit card or used in other unauthorized transactions. The alleged Oregon schemes followed these stages:

1. Collect account information through skimmers or other methods.
2. Access benefits by using the stolen data to make unauthorized transactions.
3. Buy eligible goods, including infant formula and energy drinks.
4. Move the merchandise from homes and storage units across state lines.
5. Resell the products for cash.

Not every case involves all five stages. The method in each case depends on the allegations and evidence.

Why Is EBT Theft So Hard on SNAP Households?

A recipient often discovers the theft only when the card is declined or the balance is far lower than expected. The harm goes beyond the dollar amount: families may have to change meal plans, borrow money or go without until the next benefit date. A national DOJ announcement the same day described a mother of four who found her benefits stolen when her card was declined at a store. That example came from the national announcement and was not identified as an Oregon victim.

Oregon’s Department of Human Services told legislators in February 2026 that it had more than 10,700 reported and validated instances of electronic benefit theft since 2023, totaling over $4 million in lost benefits, and that it was seeking chip-enabled EBT cards. Those are state figures and are separate from the federal case numbers above.

What Federal Laws Apply to Oregon’s EBT Skimming Cases?

The charges differ from case to case. These statutes are the ones most relevant here.

18 U.S.C. § 1029: Access-Device Fraud

This is the core statute for card-skimming cases. Different subsections apply to knowingly using or trafficking in counterfeit or unauthorized access devices (§ 1029(a)(1) to (a)(3)), possessing or using device-making equipment such as skimmers (§ 1029(a)(4)), and effecting transactions with access devices issued to another person (§ 1029(a)(5)). Under § 1029(c), maximum penalties are generally 10 years for the first three categories and 15 years for (a)(4) and (a)(5) offenses, with higher maximums for repeat offenses. Conspiracy is punishable under § 1029(b)(2). Whether an EBT card counts as an access device is generally answered yes because it provides access to a benefit account.

18 U.S.C. § 1028A: Aggravated Identity Theft

This offense covers knowingly using another person’s means of identification without lawful authority during and in relation to listed felonies, and requires a mandatory two-year term ordinarily consecutive to the underlying sentence. Under Flores-Figueroa v. United States, 556 U.S. 646 (2009), the government must prove the defendant knew the identification belonged to a real person. Under Dubin v. United States, 599 U.S. 110 (2023), the identity must be central to how the underlying fraud works. Using stolen EBT data is not automatically aggravated identity theft.

7 U.S.C. § 2024: SNAP Fraud

This statute prohibits unauthorized use, transfer, acquisition or possession of SNAP benefits. Under § 2024(b), benefits of $5,000 or more carry up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000, and lower values carry lower maximums.

Conspiracy, Wire Fraud and Stolen-Goods Statutes

• 18 U.S.C. § 371 makes it a crime to conspire to commit an offense against the United States or to defraud the United States (up to 5 years).
• 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1349 cover wire fraud and conspiracy to commit it (up to 20 years). Online grocery orders can supply the wire element.
• 18 U.S.C. §§ 2314 and 2315 cover transporting or receiving and selling stolen goods worth $5,000 or more across state lines. They are possible charges for alleged interstate transport and resale, though the sources reviewed do not say they were charged here.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1956 covers money laundering, which is sometimes added in larger cases where proceeds are allegedly concealed.

Sentencing, Restitution and Forfeiture

The loss amount and number of victims drive the offense level under U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1, and aggravated identity theft is handled under § 2B1.6. Restitution is mandatory for covered fraud offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 3663A. Property traceable to access-device offenses can be forfeited under 18 U.S.C. § 982(a)(2)(B) and § 1029(c)(1)(C). The general federal limitations period is five years (18 U.S.C. § 3282). Victims have rights in federal criminal cases, including the right to be reasonably heard and to full and timely restitution as provided by law (Crime Victims’ Rights Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3771).

What Sentences Have Been Reported?

Case development	Reported result
Ramirez Dumitru et al.	12 defendants sentenced to a combined 157 months
Ana Patricia Escalante	27 months in federal prison and $2.4 million in restitution
Alexandru Telescu	Pleaded guilty to access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft; sentencing January 28, 2027
Aramis Manolea	Time served and three years of supervised release
Cristina Manolea	Time served and three years of supervised release
Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi	Indicted October 7, 2026; no outcome announced
Ten additional defendants	Charged; individual status not detailed

These are not uniform results for all 40 people. Each defendant’s role, criminal history, counts of conviction, loss amount and plea or trial outcome can affect the result. Defendants are presumed innocent unless the government proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Should Oregon SNAP Recipients Do If Their EBT Benefits Are Stolen?

The prosecutions do not create a public claim program, but recipients can protect remaining benefits right away.

• During business hours, call Oregon’s EBT card replacement line at 855-328-6715 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific).
• After hours, call 888-997-4447 (24 hours) to cancel a compromised card, then request a new one during business hours.
• Review activity through the ebtEDGE website or app, keep your PIN private, cover the keypad and inspect card readers for loose or unusual attachments.

Important limitation: The federal provision that let states replace stolen SNAP benefits with federal funds (from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023) expired in December 2024, and Oregon says it generally cannot replace SNAP benefits stolen electronically. A new card protects what is still in the account but does not restore benefits already spent. Oregon has said stolen cash (TANF) benefits can be replaced if reported within 30 days. Many other sources, and some outdated state and press pages, still say SNAP theft is replaceable, so check the current ODHS page.

Federal consumer-protection rules that give bank debit-card holders fraud protection (Regulation E) generally do not cover needs-tested benefits such as SNAP, which is part of why recipients often have no bank-style recourse. Report suspected theft anyway, because reports help investigators and may support restitution if a case results in a conviction.

Is There an Oregon SNAP Fraud Settlement or Claim Form?

No public settlement, claims administrator or general claim form has been announced. These are criminal prosecutions, not class actions, and any restitution is handled in each case under the court’s order. That is different from a consumer lawsuit alleging a retailer treated SNAP shoppers unfairly, and from challenges to SNAP food-purchase restrictions. Neither provides compensation for stolen EBT funds.

What Happens Next?

For defendants who have pleaded guilty, the next steps are sentencing and a restitution determination. For pending cases, the process continues through arraignment, discovery, motions, plea negotiations and trial. Scheduled dates include sentencing for two defendants in the 2024 case in December 2026 and for Telescu on January 28, 2027. The press release does not list every case number or defendant status, so the federal docket (through PACER) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are the best sources for an individual case.

Oregon SNAP Fraud Crackdown Timeline

Date	Event
August 2023 to October 2024	Alleged activity period in the Ramirez Dumitru conspiracy
October 2024	17-person indictment announced (more than $2.4 million in benefits)
April 2025	Alleged Telescu skimming scheme begins, according to court documents
September 23, 2025	Telescu and Andy Perovici allegedly install a skimming device in Tigard
November 2025	Telescu and 11 others charged in a 26-count indictment
December 2024	Federal authority for states to replace stolen SNAP benefits expires
May 2026	Aramis and Cristina Manolea sentenced after guilty pleas
September 9, 2026	Ana Patricia Escalante sentenced to 27 months and $2.4 million restitution
September 29, 2026	Telescu pleads guilty
October 7, 2026	Kehi indicted
September to October 2026	Ten additional defendants charged
October 21, 2026	U.S. Attorney’s Office announces the crackdown and status updates; DOJ announces the national surge
December 2026	Sentencing set for two additional 2024-case defendants
January 28, 2027	Sentencing set for Telescu

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon’s SNAP Fraud Crackdown

How many people were charged in the Oregon SNAP fraud cases?

At least 40, across multiple cases at different stages. It does not mean 40 people were newly indicted on October 21, 2026.

How much SNAP fraud did Oregon prosecutors uncover?

More than $3 million in fraudulent SNAP purchases, per the Oregon announcement. The 2024 conspiracy alone involved more than $2.4 million, and the Telescu investigation involved an estimated $700,000.

Were all defendants charged with the same crime?

No. Charges include conspiracy, access-device fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of device-making equipment.

What was the largest Oregon scheme?

The 17-defendant Ramirez Dumitru case, which alleged more than $2.4 million in stolen benefits used to buy goods, including infant formula, for resale.

What happened to Ana Patricia Escalante?

She was sentenced in September 2026 to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.

What is EBT skimming?

Stealing card data and often the PIN, usually with a device placed on a payment terminal, and using it to access a recipient’s benefits without permission.

Can Oregon SNAP recipients get stolen benefits replaced?

Oregon says it generally cannot replace SNAP benefits stolen electronically, because the federal replacement authority expired in December 2024. Cancel a compromised card immediately to protect any remaining balance.

Is there a settlement claim form?

No. These are criminal cases, and no general fund or claims process has been announced.

What are the possible penalties?

They depend on the statute, charge, amount involved and proven facts. Access-device offenses generally carry 10 to 15 years per count, aggravated identity theft adds a mandatory consecutive two years, and restitution is generally mandatory.

How can I follow an individual defendant’s case?

Search the defendant’s name and case number on the District of Oregon’s court records or PACER to see whether the defendant has pleaded guilty, been sentenced or has charges pending.

Related Reading on AllAboutLawyer.com

• Criminal Identity Theft, What to Do if Someone Uses Your Name During an Arrest
• Aldi SNAP/EBT Pricing Lawsuit Dismissed, What It Alleged and What Happens Next
• SNAP Recipients Sue USDA Over Sugary Drink and Candy Bans, What Every Food Stamp User Needs to Know

Sources

1. U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon, October 21, 2026 announcement, “Over $3 Million in Fraudulent SNAP Benefits Uncovered in Ongoing Fraud Crackdown”: https://flashalert.net/id/USAO-Oregon/191668
2. U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon, “17 People Indicted for Conspiring to Steal More Than $2.4 Million in SNAP Benefits”: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/17-people-indicted-conspiring-steal-more-24-million-snap-benefits
3. U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon, Telescu indictment announcement: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/romanian-nationals-unlawfully-residing-united-states-indicted-conspiring-steal-snap
4. U.S. Department of Justice, national SNAP enforcement surge, October 21, 2026: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/dojs-fraud-division-department-agriculture-and-usda-oig-uncover-nearly-42m-snap-benefit
5. Oregon Department of Human Services, SNAP replacement benefits guidance: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/snap-replacement.aspx
6. Oregon Department of Human Services, EBT card services and protection: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/ebt.aspx
7. Oregon Legislature, ODHS presentation “Electronic Benefit Theft and Security,” February 19, 2026: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/314713
8. 7 U.S.C. § 2024: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/2024
9. 18 U.S.C. § 1029: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1029
10. 18 U.S.C. § 1028A: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1028A
11. 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 982, 1343, 1349, 1956, 2314, 2315, 3282, 3663A and 3771: https://uscode.house.gov
12. U.S. Sentencing Guidelines §§ 2B1.1 and 2B1.6; 12 C.F.R. § 1005.15 (Regulation E, government benefit accounts)
13. Flores-Figueroa v. United States, 556 U.S. 646 (2009); Dubin v. United States, 599 U.S. 110 (2023)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AllAboutLawyer.com is a legal information website, not a law firm. Allegations against defendants who have not pleaded guilty or been convicted remain unproven, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless the government proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The October 21 announcement summarizes multiple cases and does not replace the individual indictments, plea agreements or sentencing orders. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.