A Maryland man, Brendyn Andrew, was sentenced to 54 months in connection with a SNAP benefits fraud scheme. DOJ says the fraud relied on stolen identities and included aggravated identity theft and passport fraud, among other offenses.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced sentencing in a SNAP benefits fraud case that prosecutors say depended on identity theft and multiple forms of document and access-related wrongdoing. Brendyn Andrew was sentenced to 54 months for participating in a scheme intended to obtain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits using stolen identities. DOJ alleges that the conduct involved unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft, illustrating how personal information can be leveraged to secure government benefits. Prosecutors further stated that the matter included passport fraud and witness tampering, suggesting efforts to obstruct investigation or testimony beyond the initial benefit diversion. The charging and sentencing posture underscores that government-benefit fraud is not limited to simple application falsification; it can involve the use of stolen credentials and fabricated identity documentation to overcome administrative controls. By combining identity theft with fraud connected to identity documents (such as passports) and additional obstruction-related conduct, the case highlights a multi-stage approach. The outcome also serves as a warning that identity-related crimes can carry enhanced penalties when they are tied to obtaining government program funds. The DOJ release advises public attention to benefit scams and the seriousness of identity theft that supports them.