By Tiffany Williams –
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island Department of Human Services supervisor has admitted in federal court to abusing her position by improperly accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipient information and benefits, according to federal prosecutors.
Unauthorized Access to SNAP Accounts
Federal prosecutors said Nadine Jean Baptiste, 59, of Warwick, pleaded guilty on Aug. 4, 2026, to charges stemming from her misuse of her official position to improperly access and exploit the personal information and benefits of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.
According to court documents, Jean Baptiste repeatedly accessed Electronic Benefit Transfer card information, conducted unauthorized telephone balance inquiries, and altered PIN numbers associated with SNAP EBT cards without authorization.
Vulnerable Recipients Affected
Prosecutors said many of the affected SNAP recipients were juveniles, individuals experiencing homelessness, or people who were incarcerated at the time their information was accessed.
Authorities allege that EBT cards containing more than $300,000 in SNAP benefits were improperly accessed during the scheme.
Investigators further allege that Jean Baptiste and her daughter used fraudulently accessed SNAP benefits to make personal purchases.
Investigation Began After Complaints
The investigation began in September 2023 after the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit received multiple complaints through its Fraud Hotline from SNAP recipients who reported that they never received the EBT cards issued to them.
According to investigators, SNAP EBT cards are typically mailed directly to a recipient’s address or provided in person at a Department of Human Services office, including to individuals experiencing homelessness who pick up their cards onsite.
Federal Case Moves Forward
Jean Baptiste’s guilty plea marks the latest development in the federal investigation into the alleged misuse of public assistance benefits. Federal authorities contend the unauthorized access involved hundreds of thousands of dollars in SNAP benefits intended to assist eligible Rhode Island residents.
The case remains under the jurisdiction of the federal court as sentencing proceedings move forward.