Arraignment coming Tuesday in Irish Travelers case
A total of 22 people – 20 identified as Travelers and two from Augusta – face racketeering charges under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Most face other charges as well, including mail fraud, wire fraud, structuring monetary transactions to evade reporting requirements or interstate transportation of stolen items.
RICO conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine; mail and wire fraud each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine; structuring carries a maximum sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine; and interstate transportation of stolen items carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
The charges include a maximum term of supervised release after imprisonment of three years.
The defendants are accused of fraudulently obtaining food stamp benefits under the SNAP program by submitting false information about their income and employment on food stamps applications and re-certifications.
Read more: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/crime-courts/2016-08-27/arraignment-coming-tuesday-irish-travelers-case?v=1472349197