Plea in food stamp fraud case

(WICHITA, Kan.) — The first of 13 defendants indicted March 1 for food stamp fraud has pleaded guilty to obtaining cash in exchange for food stamp benefits.

33 year old Angela N. Norwood of Wichita, pleaded guilty to receiving about $150 cash in exchange for about $300 worth of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, more commonly called food stamps.  

Her sentencing is set for August 18.
        
Several of the defendants are expected to enter similar pleas in the next few weeks.
      
Norwood and 12 other defendants were indicted March 1 on multiple conspiracy and food stamp fraud counts in two separate cases, one involving Alnoor Groceries and the other Kansas Food Market, 2600 N. Arkansas, Wichita.

Norwood faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the fraud count.  

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney's office.