EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested six individuals in connection to a Lone Star Card fraud investigation earlier this week. A seventh suspect is also facing charges but has not yet been booked, according to a press release from DPS.
The following suspects have been charged with theft of services and booked into the El Paso County Jail:
- Adriana Franco, 31, Theft Amount: $5,807.00
- Alejandra Tagle, 31, Theft Amount: $3,595.44
- Arely E. Marin, 30, Theft Amount: $4,821.45
- Lorenza Franco, 52, Theft Amount: $5,084.65
- Mayra C. Menchaca, 32, Theft Amount: $5,643.54
- Omar Alberto Gallegos, 42, Theft Amount: $44,475.93
Additionally, Jessica Cardenas, 37, faces charges for a theft amount of $2,180.21, although she has completed administrative processing and has not yet been booked.
According to DPS, these arrests are part of a larger investigation into food stamp fraud, which has led to 30 arrests between 2016 and 2024. Lone Star Cards are electronic benefit transfer cards used to access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance.
The multi-agency investigation involved the DPS Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), EBT Trafficking Unit, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. All cases have been referred to the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.