DA slams ‘Food Stamp 50’

Carnright estimated that taxpayers would eventually recoup $767,000 from defendants in the case either through court-ordered restitution or savings based on the disqualifications. The largest chunk of the clawback comes from Singh, who had $260,000 in personal funds seized during the investigation. Restitution orders from criminal and non-criminal defendants could bring in another $160,000. Carnright noted those with restitution orders who fail to pay could have up to 20 percent of food-stamp benefits for family members who remain eligible for the program (dependent children, for example) withheld until they pay their debt. Finally, Carnright said, taxpayers will save $347,000 based on the removal of 120 people from the county’s population of food stamp recipients for at least one year.