United States of America v. Shermeca McCrary

Wilmington, North Carolina, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud more than $100,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services (“DSS”), pleaded guilty to theft of government property.

Between January 2021 to January 2024, Shermeca McCrary, age 46, using her position and privileges as a North Carolina Department of Social Services case worker, unlawfully accessed the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and converted $102,000 in government funds for her own personal benefit and use.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case. The United States Department of Agriculture, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Department

The Defendant elected to plead guilty and faces a maximum term of ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine when sentenced later this year. She will also be ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $102,000.00.