R.I. human services supervisor allegedly stole SNAP benefits

“It is alleged that some of the individuals whose information was repeatedly accessed were either juveniles or individuals who were, at the time, homeless or incarcerated.”

A supervisor working for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services is facing federal charges for allegedly using her position to steal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for her own personal use.

Nadine Jean Baptiste, 57, of Warwick, was arrested on Wednesday while at work, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island. She is charged with aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits, and conspiracy.

Authorities allege that Baptiste and her daughter, Octavia Jean Baptiste, used the fraudulently accessed SNAP benefits for their own personal purchases at stores including Walmart and Market Basket. According to the office of U.S Attorney Zachary Cunha, an arrest warrant for Octavia Baptiste has been issued on the same charges her mother is facing.

Nadine Baptiste allegedly repeatedly conducted balance inquiries over the phone for EBT benefit cards and then changed the PIN numbers associated with the cards.

“It is alleged that some of the individuals whose information was repeatedly accessed were either juveniles or individuals who were, at the time, homeless or incarcerated,” Cunha’s office said in a statement.

Prosecutors allege about $191,000 was improperly accessed by the mother and daughter through the SNAP benefit cards.

Authorities began investigating in September 2023 when the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit received complaints from SNAP recipients through the fraud hotline saying they had not received EBT benefit cards issued to them.

The case remains under investigation, according to authorities.