North Carolina Employee Stole Over $100,000 from SNAP Benefits Program, Pleads Guilty

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A state employee in Wayne County engaged in a scheme to defraud more than $100,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") benefits administered by the USDA and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services ("DSS"). Deshaune White, 24, pleaded guilty to Theft of Government Property and now faces a maximum term of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $102,000.00 (when sentenced later this year.)

"What a shocking abuse of trust for a state employee to steal taxpayer money from hurting families. No longer will we tolerate the petty misery of the destruction of society and order by vicious selfishness. It is that much worse when it's an inside job. Cheaters. Never. Win," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

Between June 2022 to January 2024, White using his position and privileges as a North Carolina Department of Social Services case worker, unlawfully accessed the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and stole $102,000 in government funds for his own personal use.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The United States Department of Agriculture - OIG, and the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-48-M.