Woman Pleads Guilty in Food-Stamp Fraud Case

A former employee with the Missouri Department of Social Services has pleaded guilty to a fraud charge in connection to the misuse of over $52,000 in food-stamp benefits.

The Southeast Missourian reported Thursday that Pamela O'Dell pleaded guilty to mail fraud.

Court documents say O'Dell was employed as an eligibility specialist by the Missouri Department of Social Services in Dunklin County and she was responsible for processing applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Prosecutors say that between 2009 and 2014, when SNAP applicants and recipients reported that they no longer wished to apply for or receive benefits, O'Dell would change their address to the Family Support Division in Dunklin County, which issued a new Electronic Benefits Transfer card using her information. Prosecutors say she misused $52,267 in benefits.

She is scheduled to be sentenced June 20.