MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Four people were arrested Thursday for food stamp fraud in DeSoto County totaling approximately $131,000, District Attorney Matthew Barton says.

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and Mississippi Department of Human Services had a press release on four women who were indicted individually and involved in food stamp fraud cases.

“It’s essentially a food fraud case where they failed to disclose changes and circumstances, omitted income,” said Barton. “They were receiving in order to qualify for certain government assistance and benefits.

Stephanie Wright had a three-count indictment of fraud totaling $18,114. Tiffany Harrel had a five-count indictment of fraud totaling $30,443.

Syerra Lynks had a three-count indictment of fraud totaling $30,853. Lashanda Smith had a five-count indictment of fraud totaling $52,053.

The D.A. says the years the food stamp fraud began in 2020 and ended a few months ago.

Barton encourages tips on fraud cases to help them investigate future cases.