Shermeca McCrary, a Wayne County resident and former Johnston County Social Services case worker, was sentenced on April 21 to six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $102,000 after being convicted for stealing more than $100,000 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts to combat fraud in federal benefit programs. The Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division earlier this month with a mission “to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.” This initiative supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
According to court documents, McCrary used her position at Johnston County Social Services to unlawfully access SNAP accounts belonging to qualified individuals. She diverted approximately $102,000 in government funds for personal use. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnston County Department of Social Services Program Integrity unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina is part of the U.S. Department of Justice according to its official website. The office prosecutes federal crimes and litigates civil matters across 44 easternmost counties in North Carolina and operates six federal courthouses located in cities such as Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, New Bern, Greenville and Elizabeth City according to its official website. It employs 119 staff members including attorneys and support staff according to its official website, covers areas with major military installations like Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune according to its official website, promotes community safety through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods according to its official website, and partners with law enforcement agencies throughout eastern North Carolina.
