Rapper who literally set fire to money busted as Vance fraud taskforce uncovers $42M in food stamp thefts

Key Points:

• Atlanta rapper Mercedes New, known as Shawty Dred, was indicted on 62 federal charges including mail fraud and identity theft for allegedly orchestrating a $4.6 million SNAP food stamp fraud scheme involving over 350 fake accounts.
• New allegedly obtained hundreds of fraudulent SNAP EBT cards by using stolen identities, then sold the cards on the streets or used them at his own business, flaunting his lavish lifestyle on social media.
• The crackdown is part of a broader federal effort to recover nearly $42 million in food stamp funds stolen nationwide, with over 40 defendants charged recently for similar fraud schemes targeting SNAP benefits.
• Officials highlighted that SNAP fraud not only deprives needy families of food assistance but also funds other criminal activities, with some defendants using stolen benefits to buy guns, drugs, or resell baby formula on the black market.
• New was previously arrested for public indecency and selling SNAP EBT cards, and his case was publicized during a DOJ and USDA press conference emphasizing the use of social media evidence to track fraudulent activities.