A Wayne County resident has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program managed by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered locally by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services.
Shermeca McCrary, 46, admitted in court to theft of government property. She faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Additionally, she will be required to pay a forfeiture money judgment totaling $102,000 when sentenced later this year.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle commented on the case: “Safeguarding taxpayer-funded assistance programs is one of our office’s core responsibilities. When a government employee abuses her position of trust to steal benefits intended to help families in need, we will act to hold her accountable. I appreciate the work of our federal, state, and local partners as we continue to protect these programs for the communities they serve.”
Court records show that between January 2021 and January 2024, McCrary used her role as a case worker at the North Carolina Department of Social Services to access SNAP accounts belonging to eligible individuals. She then converted $102,000 in government funds for personal use.
The investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Department of Social Services – Program Integrity. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.
