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Pennsylvania Benefits Office Supervisor Allegedly Trades Stolen EBT Cards for Crack Cocaine, Drains $20,558 in Food Aid
A Pennsylvania county assistance office supervisor is accused of stealing food benefits meant for low-income families and trading some of the cards for crack cocaine.
Dextape brief
Pennsylvania prosecutors accuse Sheila McDonald, 46, a supervisor at the Lehigh County Assistance Office, of taking over $20,000 in food benefits by trading some stolen EBT cards for drugs and cash. McDonald joined the office in January 2024 as its EBT Coordinator, a role giving her access to recipients' birth dates and Social Security numbers. In November 2025 the office alerted state inspectors after a mailed card failed to reach its owner, despite four unauthorized transactions. Prosecutors say she activated cards with personal details and a phone number she controlled. Authorities allege 48 cards were activated and used more than 270 times, totaling $20,558.61. She faces five felony counts, is in custody, and the state suspended her and issued replacement cards to affected households.
Why it matters: The case highlights how insider access to recipient data can enable fraud against public assistance programs.
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