Federal Judge Sentences Johnston County Social Services Employee for Stealing Over $100,000 from SNAP

WILMINGTON, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - North Carolina, Eastern), published as received.

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Shermeca McCrary, a Wayne County woman, to 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and to pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $102,000 for her role in a scheme to steal more than $100,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits administered by the United States Department of Agriculture and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and county Division of Social Services.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

“We proudly join the President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud in prosecuting this case. This office will continue to hold accountable anyone who steals any of our taxpayer funded programs. This SNAP fraudster has learned the lesson – Cheaters.Never.Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

Inmate McCrary used her position and privileges as a Johnston County Social Services case worker, to unlawfully access the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and stole $102,000 in government funds to her own personal benefit and use.  

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II sentenced the defendant. The USDA OIG, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Department of Social Services Program Integrity, are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-275-M.