Chapter 10 Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps and Other Crimes Against Government Assistance Programs

• Library: SC Crimes: Elements and Defenses (SCBar) (2021 Ed.)

Chapter 10 Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps and Other Crimes Against Government Assistance Programs

A. Fraudulent acquisition or use of food stamps; S.C. Code Ann. § 16-13-430

(A) It is unlawful for a person to:

(1) obtain, attempt to obtain, aid, abet, or assist any person to obtain, by means of a false statement or representation, false impersonation, fictitious transfer, conveyance, or other fraudulent device, food stamps or coupons to which an applicant is not entitled or a greater amount of food stamps or coupons than that which an applicant is justly entitled; or
(2) to acquire, possess, use, or transfer food stamps or coupons except as authorized by law and the rules and regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture relating to these matters.

(B) It is unlawful for a person to acquire or transfer food stamps or coupons except in exchange for food or food products for human consumption, which do not include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, beer, or wine.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a:

(1) felony if the amount of food stamps fraudulently acquired or used is of a value of five thousand dollars or more. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both;
(2) felony if the

...