A Kansas City woman has been indicted in a federal SNAP benefits fraud case after prosecutors said she failed to report wages while receiving food assistance benefits.
Viridiana Luna-Mejia, 34, is accused of making false statements to Missouri social services officials while receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from 2021 through 2026.
Federal prosecutors said she was earning wages during that period but did not report the income when she recertified for benefits.
The charges are allegations. Luna-Mejia has not been convicted in the case.
Prosecutors Say Wages Were Left Out
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri said Luna-Mejia began receiving SNAP benefits in June 2021.
According to federal prosecutors, investigators found Luna-Mejia had been receiving wages from an employer while she was also receiving SNAP benefits.
The government alleges she did not report that income on her recertification forms or during the related phone interviews. The wage issue surfaced during a broader employment investigation.
Prosecutors said law enforcement found that Luna-Mejia’s employer had removed her from the wage and tax reporting required by Missouri law.
Prosecutors said Luna-Mejia also failed to report the bank account where she deposited her paychecks. Investigators said the unreported wages and undisclosed account allowed Luna-Mejia to continue receiving benefits she otherwise would not have qualified for.
Investigators Put the Benefit Amount Near $40K
Federal investigators determined that truthful income reporting would have made Luna-Mejia ineligible for nearly $40,000 in SNAP benefits.
The DOJ release did not provide a month-by-month breakdown of the benefit payments.
The case focuses on benefits received from 2021 through 2026, a period in which prosecutors say Luna-Mejia repeatedly had to recertify her household income and resources.
She Faces Theft and Wire Fraud Charges
A federal grand jury indicted Luna-Mejia on one count of theft of government money and four counts of wire fraud.
Homeland Security Investigations in Kansas City executed a federal criminal search warrant and arrested her Thursday, according to prosecutors.
The Kansas City Star reported that the indictment was announced one day after federal authorities arrested several people at a Kansas City food manufacturing facility.
The Federal Case Remains Pending
If convicted, Luna-Mejia could face up to 20 years in federal prison under the statutes cited by prosecutors.
The actual sentence, if there is a conviction, would be determined later by the court based on federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson.
Prosecutors said it was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Missouri Department of Social Services.
SNAP Recertifications Depend on Current Income Records
Recipients who are recertifying benefits should keep records of pay stubs, employer information, bank accounts, household members, rent, utilities, and any other information the state requires to determine eligibility.
If income changes after approval, recipients should contact the state benefits agency directly and ask how and when the change must be reported.
Suspected SNAP benefits fraud in Missouri can be reported to the Missouri Department of Social Services. Federal nutrition program fraud can also be reported through the USDA Office of Inspector General at fns.usda.gov/fraud.