Brief
Pennsylvania welfare supervisor charged with stealing $20,000 in food‑stamp benefits
Prosecutors say McDonald used her role as EBT coordinator to activate and sell stolen cards for crack cocaine.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A Lehigh County welfare supervisor in Pennsylvania has been charged with six felonies after prosecutors allege she stole more than $20,000 in food‑stamp benefits and traded the stolen EBT cards for crack cocaine.
What happened
Sheila McDonald, 46, worked as a clerical supervisor and EBT coordinator at the Lehigh County Assistance Office in Allentown since January 2024. Investigators say she accessed 48 EBT cards, activated at least one on Nov. 7, 2025, and conducted over 270 unauthorized transactions that drained $20,558.61 from beneficiaries’ accounts.
What the reports add
The New York Post reports that security video from Nov. 19 showed McDonald using an EBT card to withdraw $20 in cash and make purchases at a grocery and a convenience store. An unidentified man told investigators he repeatedly received EBT cards and PINs from McDonald as payment for crack cocaine.
What was said
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan and Pennsylvania State Inspector General Michelle Henry said the investigation began after four unauthorized transactions triggered a probe in November 2025. The Post notes that state officials replaced the compromised cards and suspended McDonald from Department of Human Services systems.
How it came about
The alleged scheme unfolded after McDonald’s access to recipients’ birth dates and Social Security numbers allowed her to activate missing cards. A criminal complaint was filed on Oct. 2, and McDonald was taken into custody awaiting arraignment, according to court records cited by the Post.
Key facts
- Sheila McDonald was charged with six felonies including access device fraud and receiving stolen property. (nypost.com)
- Prosecutors allege she stole $20,558.61 from 48 EBT cards through more than 270 unauthorized transactions. (nypost.com)
- Investigators linked her to a video showing her using an EBT card to withdraw cash and purchase items on Nov. 19. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Pa. welfare supervisor allegedly stole $20K in food stamps, traded EBT cards for crack cocaine: prosecutors”
