Erie Man Pleads Guilty in Food Stamp Fraud Scheme

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jibul R. Jibul, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jibul and two-defendants were all engaged in food stamp fraud primarily involving exchanging food stamps for cash. Jibul and his co-defendants also used the food stamp terminals at locations where they were not authorized.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, the Erie Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jibul.