Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Brendyn Andrew, 33, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, charging him with aggravated identity theft, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. The defendant will have an initial appearance today at 4:30 p.m., in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) Northeast Region. In Maryland, SNAP benefit funds originate from the United States Department of Agriculture and are administered by way of the Maryland Department of Human Services – Family Investment Administration.
According to the indictment, Andrew misused the social security numbers of two different individuals to apply for and use SNAP benefits in Maryland from February through June 2021.
If convicted, Andrew faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft and up to ten years in prison for theft of government property. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the United States Department of Agriculture for their work in the investigation and she thanked the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department for its investigative assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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