Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for SNAP Fraud, Drugs and Illegal Firearms Possession

Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that the following defendants pled guilty and were sentenced in the District Court of Guam on April 23, 2025:

Antonio J. Toves, age 48, from Chalan Pago, Guam was sentenced to 12 months and one day for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Unauthorized Use, Transfer, Acquisition, Alteration, or Possession of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and 7 U.S.C. § 2024.  He was also sentenced to serve 36 months imprisonment for Possession of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(l), and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A).  The terms of imprisonment were also ordered to run consecutive.  The Court also ordered four years of supervised release, $40,869 in restitution, and $400 in mandatory special assessment fees.  Toves also forfeited several firearms and a Lexus vehicle.  Defendants convicted of SNAP fraud are barred from further participation in the program.

Christina J. Toves, age 47, from Chalan Pago, Guam was sentenced to 12 months and one day for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1349; Unauthorized Use, Transfer, Acquisition, Alteration, or Possession of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") Benefits, in violation of 7 U.S.C. § 2024(b)(1); and Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).  The Court also ordered three years of supervised release, $40,869 in restitution, and $300 in mandatory special assessment fees.  Toves was also ordered to forfeit several firearms, ammunition, and a Lexus vehicle.

From September 2015 to September 2020, Antonio and Christina Toves defrauded the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) to obtain SNAP benefits to which they were not entitled. The couple made false statements about their household size and income.  They also failed to disclose to DPHSS that Christina Toves was employed as a social worker with the Guam Department of Corrections - information on which DPHSS relies in making benefits determinations. As a result of this deceit, they received $40,846.00 in fraudulently obtained SNAP benefits.

Following his arrest, Antonio Toves was found in possession of over five grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, two pistols, an AR-15 rifle, and over 800 rounds of ammunition.  Christina Toves was found in possession of a concealed handgun.

“Citizens with low income rely on SNAP benefits to meet their nutritional needs,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “Unfortunately, some people seek to obtain these benefits through fraud and other abuse of the program.  Taxpayers deserve justice for this criminal conduct.  We will continue to pursue these prosecutions to ensure that federal funds are appropriately used.  As this case demonstrates, those who engage in this type of fraud, in addition to drug trafficking, risk significant federal penalties.”

“Fraud, drugs and firearms are a dangerous mixture for failure,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “The Tove’s actions not only cost them prison time and restitution, but also cost the taxpayers of Guam because of their fraudulent claim and receipt of SNAP benefits.  This sentence is well deserved and should serve as a warning against anyone that illegal actions will be investigated and prosecuted.”

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Guam DPHSS Investigation & Recovery Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Petersburg prosecuted these cases in the District of Guam.