“Criminal organizations and other sophisticated fraudsters are increasingly targeting USDA nutrition assistance programs, like SNAP and CACFP, through sophisticated fraud schemes such as electronic benefit transfer (EBT) theft, SNAP trafficking, retail fraud, identity theft, false claim and cyber methodologies,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. "We are proud to make this announcement with U.S. Attorney Quiñones as we seek to work together on the investigations and ultimate prosecutions of these crimes against the neediest Americans.

“Dogfighting is violent and inhumane, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture OIG will continue to pursue those who commit this heinous crime,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.  “I commend our USDA OIG special agents, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and law enforcement partners who brought this defendant to justice and rescued 40 dogs from ongoing cruelty.”

“It was great to join the Secret Service in Portland as part of Joint Operation Pacific Northwest to go after SNAP fraud by skimming. Skimming steals from unsuspecting SNAP recipients. A single illicit skimmer in a retail location can be used to rob multitudes of low-income victims of taxpayer funded food assistance. Thanks to our agents and the Secret Service for the good work to tackle this fraud in Seattle, Anchorage and Portland." - USDA Inspector General John Walk.