Suspects in EBT fraud could face Connecticut charges

NEWARK – At least two of the four suspects in an alleged months-long fraud involving stolen EBT cards could face additional charges in Connecticut.

Gabriel Adames, Ruth Cruz, Humberto Adames and Anthony Urena were all charged Wednesday with illegal use of supplemental nutrition or WIC benefits, a fifth-degree felony.

During bond hearings Thursday morning for Cruz and Humberto Adames, Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Paula Sawyers said she had learned that the state of Connecticut may be interested in filing charges against the two for similar activity.

Bond hearings for Gabriel Adames and Anthony Urena were held Wednesday. Bond hearings for the other two suspects were held Thursday to allow for a translator to be present.

Magistrate Mattie Klein set bond at $10,000 for each of the suspects.

Sawyers said immigration officials have also indicated they are investigating whether Cruz and the Adameses are in the country legally.

The four suspects are all related and were working at a Marathon gas station in the 800 block of Mount Vernon Road for several months, according to police.

An investigation by Newark police, the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Ohio Investigative Unit culminated in search warrants being served Tuesday at the gas station and the suspects' home on Neal Avenue.

Detective Sgt. Scott Snow said the four suspects bought EBT cards and stolen property for "pennies on the dollar" and used the property to stock the shelves of the store. The EBT cards would be used to purchase products to resell at the gas station, Snow said.

The case may be heard by a grand jury in the coming weeks for consideration of additional charges.