Chicago Man Sentenced in $1.5M SNAP Fraud Scheme

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A 45-year-old Chicago man has been sentenced to over 4 years in prison for a $1.55 million fraud scheme involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). David Quinones obtained access to over 1,200 SNAP cards by giving recipients cash or other items, then used the cards to purchase goods which he later resold, keeping the proceeds.

Why it matters

SNAP fraud schemes can undermine public confidence in the program and divert resources away from those who genuinely need food assistance. This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect the integrity of SNAP benefits.

The details

Prosecutors say Quinones obtained access to over 1,200 SNAP cards between 2018 and 2023 by giving recipients cash or other items in exchange for the cards. He then used the cards to purchase goods at authorized retail stores, falsely representing himself as the authorized user. Quinones later resold most of the goods and kept the proceeds, causing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay out $1,554,804 in fraudulent SNAP benefits.

• Quinones obtained SNAP cards and committed fraud between 2018 and 2023.
• Quinones pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges last year.
• On March 9, 2026, Quinones was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,554,804 in restitution.

What’s next

The judge's sentence of over 4 years in prison and $1.5 million in restitution is intended to hold Quinones accountable and deter future SNAP fraud.