Two Springfield women indicted on food stamp fraud charges

Date: September 12, 2017
Contact: Agent-in-Charge Adam Johnson
(513) 942-0610

Two Springfield women indicted on food stamp fraud charges

(CINCINNATI) – Two Springfield women were indicted yesterday by a Clark County Grand Jury on food stamp fraud related charges.

Lavenna S. Taylor, 40, and Kaylee J.  Lucero, 23, were indicted on illegal use of food stamps, a fifth degree felony.

Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit began investigating the two individuals after being contacted by the Springfield Police Department in June on possible fraudulent activity. The card in question belonged to a special needs individual. During the investigation, agents determined that the card was found by Lucero, who then traded the card for cocaine to Taylor.

If convicted Taylor and Lucero could face up to 18 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine. 

The food stamp program provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. If you know of any locations or individuals who are misusing food stamps or the electronic benefits transfer card (EBT) please contact OIU at #677.

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit agents are plain-clothed fully sworn peace officers. OIU is charged with enforcing the state’s liquor laws and is the only state law enforcement agency specifically tasked with investigating food stamp fraud crimes. Agents also investigate tobacco violations. Follow OIU on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Investigative-Unit/165782203506269 and on Twitter by logging onto http://twitter.com/Ohio_OIU.     

www.statepatrol.ohio.gov                                                                        A division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety