RI State Police Arrest 20 for Food Stamp, Assistance Fraud

WARWICK, RI—  Rhode Island State Police arrested 20 people Friday, including three from Warwick, and charged them with fraudulently obtaining about $14,000 in food stamps and other public assistance benefits.

State Police Detectives and investigators from the Rhode Island Department of Administration’s Office of Internal Audit – Fraud Detection and Prevention Unit investigated the unauthorized spending of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) funds.

The investigations stemmed from an analysis of data from the state Department of Administration, which identified the alleged theft, a violation of the Rhode Island Public Assistance Act.

The investigations resulted in the following arrests and charges”

• Samantha M. Davenport, age 31, of 855 Providence St., West Warwick

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Andrea M. Correia, 35, of 40 Hebert St., Coventry

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Sherri L. Cameron, 44, of 815 Sandy Lane, Warwick

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

Jennifer L. Hopkins, 29, of 50 Murray St., Warwick

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Under $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Under $500

• Brian W. O’Donnell, 54, of 225 Morse Ave., Warwick

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Stephanie D. Morse, 42, of 187 Rankin Ave., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

Conspiracy

• Jeffrey L. Douglas, 48, of 187 Rankin Ave., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

Conspiracy

• Hillary J. McKechnie, 33, of 17 Cross St., Central Falls

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Robin E. Eckstein, 55, of 113 Cleveland St., West Warwick

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

Soliciting Another to Commit a Crime (Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance)

Conspiracy

• Kerri A. Morris, 49, of 20 Grover St., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Ambar Sanchez, 32, of 25 Salmon St., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Under $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Under $500

• Albert H. Jacques, 60, of 50 Murray St., Coventry

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Under $500

Conspiracy

• Mirna N. Ferla, 51, of 182 Pocahontas Dr., Warwick

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• James C. Douglas, 49, of 80 Summit St., Pawtucket

Soliciting Another to Commit a Crime (Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance)

Parole Board Warrant – Violation of Parole

• Tammi Lynn Gundy, 49, of 10 Monticello St., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Maribel Santiago, 59, of 14 Pelham St., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

• Hector Santiago, 59, of 14 Pelham St., Providence

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Over $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Over $500

Conspiracy

• Eric A. Delrosario, 32, of 182 Sumter St., Providence

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Under $500

Conspiracy

• Dorothy T. Pona, 34, of 581 Laurel Hill Ave., Cranston

Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps – Under $500

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Under $500

• Robert A. Ciaramello, 48, of 20 Grover St., Providence

Fraudulently Obtaining Public Assistance – Under $500

Conspiracy

All the suspects were processed, arraigned and released on personal recognizance, pending further court action.

If convicted, each person may be sentenced to up to five  years of imprisonment and/or fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) if the value of the public assistance exceeded $500. Any person convicted of Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps, whether a felony or misdemeanor,  are ineligible to participate in the food stamp program for at least six months and no more than two years.