Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Funeral Home Owner Rachel Hardy

DALLAS, Texas — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment last week charging Rachel Hardy, 35, with Food Stamp Benefit Fraud, two counts of Theft of Federal Public Money, and Theft of Educational Funds announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. Hardy self-surrendered today.

According to the indictment, Hardy failed to disclose her household composition and ownership of two businesses that generated income and as a result she obtained benefits from multiple government programs.

Count one of the indictment alleges that beginning in or around April 8, 2010, through July 31, 2012, Hardy obtained from the Department of Agriculture Food Stamp Program and its successor, SNAP, benefits having a value in excess of $5,000. Count two of the indictment alleges during the same time period Hardy received Medicaid benefits having a value in excess of $1,000.00.

Beginning in or around June 28, 2010 and continuing through May 22, 2013 the indictment alleges in count three Hardy received funds, assets, and property provided or insured under the Federal Pell Grant Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, having a value in excess of $200.

Count four of the indictment alleges that beginning in or around November 2, 2010 and continuing through December 14, 2011 Hardy received housing subsidies in excess of $1,000.00.

A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. The maximum statutory penalty for the offenses charged is 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Texas Health & Human Services Commission, OIG; U.S. Department of HUD, OIG; Department of Agriculture, OIG; and U.S. Department of Education, OIG are investigating.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wiley is in charge of the prosecution.