JACKSON, Miss. — A Claiborne County resident has been indicted following an investigation into the alleged fraudulent receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Kia Mays was arrested June 24 after an investigation by the MDHS Office of Inspector General’s Division of Investigation determined she allegedly received $25,124 in SNAP benefits improperly, the agency said.
The case was referred to the Claiborne County District Attorney’s Office, which secured an indictment on June 9. Mays was later taken into custody by Claiborne County authorities.
MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith said the case highlights collaboration among the agency’s investigators, county offices, prosecutors and local law enforcement.
The investigation was led by Agent Griffin with the MDHS Office of Inspector General’s Division of Investigation. The division, established in 2018, is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, waste and abuse involving department programs and has recovered millions of dollars in SNAP overpayments since its creation, according to MDHS.
MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said the investigation demonstrates the agency’s efforts to detect, investigate and prevent fraud.
Officials said suspected fraud involving MDHS programs can be reported through the agency’s online fraud tip form, by calling its fraud tip line or by email.
An indictment is a formal accusation and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
