COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating individuals accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in welfare benefits from Franklin County.
Two suspects, Ionut Bizga and Doina Maria Bacelan, were scheduled for court this week but will return due to the absence of an interpreter.
Bizga and Bacelan are charged with engaging in a criminal enterprise that allegedly began last summer, resulting in the theft of more than $150,000 from Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
During the arraignment, Bizga’s case was postponed due to a language barrier. “Do you understand?” the court asked, to which Bizga replied, “Yes, I understand.”
Last year, Bizga crashed his minivan into a Columbus fire hydrant and was taken to OSU East. Officers were unable to find identification for Bizga and cited him for not having a driver’s license. A temporary tag from Texas, which officers could not verify in any database, and another plate from Virginia were found in the van.
In court, it was noted that Bizga has an ICE hold. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported losing $17 million in SNAP benefits due to fraud and theft since the summer of 2023.
Bizga maintains his innocence, stating, “I’m not guilty. I’m not guilty. That’s it.” However, his plea is not on the court record until a Romanian interpreter is provided.
Next week, a Columbus shop owner accused of misappropriating SNAP funds and services will also face a judge. Further details on that case will be provided as they become available.
