Rhode Island State Supervisor Pleads Guilty in SNAP Fraud Case
A Rhode Island Department of Human Services supervisor admitted accessing EBT card information and changing PINs on accounts belonging to minors, homeless individuals, and incarcerated people.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island Department of Human Services supervisor pleaded guilty in federal court on August 4, 2026, in a case involving misuse of her position to access SNAP recipients' personal information and benefits, federal prosecutors announced.
Nadine Jean Baptiste, 59, of Warwick, admitted repeatedly accessing Electronic Benefit Transfer card information, making unauthorized telephone balance inquiries, and changing card PINs. Many affected recipients were minors, people experiencing homelessness, or incarcerated individuals.
"The improperly accessed cards contained more than $300,000 in SNAP benefits."
The improperly accessed cards contained more than $300,000 in SNAP benefits. That figure describes benefits on the affected cards; the announcement does not establish that the entire amount was stolen. Prosecutors also alleged that Jean Baptiste and her daughter used fraudulently accessed benefits for personal purchases.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation began in September 2023 after recipients complained to Rhode Island's internal audit fraud hotline that their EBT cards never arrived. Federal inspectors general and state investigators investigated the case.
The complaints highlight the importance of reporting missing benefit cards and unauthorized activity.
Report EBT / SNAP Fraud
If you believe your EBT card has been accessed without authorization or never arrived, contact your state's SNAP fraud hotline or the USDA Office of Inspector General at 1-800-424-9121.