North Carolina Social Services Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $100k from SNAP Benefits Program

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A Wayne County woman who engaged in a scheme to defraud more than $100,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") benefits administered by the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services ("DSS"), pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Shermeca McCrary, age 46, faces a maximum term of ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine when sentenced later this year. She will also be ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $102,000.00.

"Safeguarding taxpayer-funded assistance programs is one of our office's core responsibilities," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "When a government employee abuses her position of trust to steal benefits intended to help families in need, we will act to hold her accountable. I appreciate the work of our federal, state, and local partners as we continue to protect these programs for the communities they serve."

According to court documents and other information presented in court, between January 2021 to January 2024, McCrary using her position and privileges as a North Carolina Department of Social Services case worker, unlawfully accessed the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and converted $102,000 in government funds for her own personal benefit and use.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case. The United States Department of Agriculture, the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, and the Johnston County Department of Social Services - Program Integrity, are investigating the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-275-M.