COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A Franklin County grand jury handed down a series of indictments against three people who prosecutors say stole more than $150,000 in the state’s food stamp program, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
Prosecutors claim that Ionut Bizga, Doina Maria Bacelan, and Juan Carlos Pagan Hernandez worked together since last July to use other people’s SNAP benefits to buy thousands of dollars worth of candy, soda, Red Bull, and other goods. They shopped at various BJ’s locations, Sam’s Clubs, and Walmart stores. The indictment did not indicate how the three acquired the benefits.
Prosecutors say the crimes continued through March of this year. According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, more than $17 million worth of benefits have been stolen from the SNAP program in Ohio since the summer of 2023. In December of 2024, the state and federal governments stopped reimbursing benefit recipients who had their funds taken.
None of the defendants were in custody as of Wednesday.
Bizga was cited by Columbus Police last July when prosecutors say he started the criminal activity for crashing into a city fire hydrant. Bizga had no driver’s license, his plates were from Texas, and his minivan had to be towed. In court, a Spanish-speaking interpreter had to be called. Bizga was found guilty and paid $300 in fines.
