A federal judge sentenced Deshaune White to six months in federal prison, followed by six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay more than $102,700 in forfeiture.
According to prosecutors, White used his position as a Lenoir County Department of Social Services caseworker to access SNAP accounts belonging to eligible recipients. Officials say he then diverted $102,733.80 in benefits for his own personal use.
"(He) will have to pay back his ill-gotten gains," U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said in a statement. "This office will continue to hold accountable anyone who defrauds our taxpayer-funded programs."
Investigators described the scheme as an abuse of trust, noting that White had access to sensitive information meant to support families in need.
"It is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust," said Inspector General John Walk. "We will continue to pursue those who exploit vulnerable populations for personal gain."
Federal officials said the case is part of broader efforts to crack down on fraud involving government assistance programs.
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II handed down the sentence. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office.
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