Arrests made in EBT fraud scheme


MANATEE COUNTY - A pizza restaurant owner's alleged purchase of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards from nearly 50 different people to buy supplies for his businesses in Manatee and Sarasota counties has led to arrest warrants for fraud, according to authorities.

During Operation Meal Ticket II, Manatee County sheriff's detectives obtained arrest warrants for 103 people, 48 of whom sold their EBT cards to Gerald Millas, who was arrested in December. Millas would allegedly buy the cards for 50 to 60 cents on the dollar, according to the Sheriff's Office.

In a separate part of the investigation that began in January and wrapped up in April, undercover detectives purchased EBT cards worth nearly $9,000, obtaining 55 arrest warrants. In most cases, the undercover detective would purchase a $200 card for $120.

“It's believed the subjects selling the cards would use the cash to purchase drugs and/or alcohol,” a news release stated.

The cards could not be turned in, so the Sheriff's Office used them to buy baby formula and donated it to the Food Bank of Manatee County.

Of the 103 facing charges for fraudulent use of EBT cards, 39 have been arrested and taken to the Manatee County jail.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office completed its first Operation Meal Ticket in 2012, obtaining arrest warrants for 53 people.


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