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Looks like the local pd did a good job today, just wish there were busts like this happening more often.
Police Execute Search Warrant to two Wichita Falls Businesses, Leads to Two Arrests
By: Lindsey Wospchall Updated: July 31, 2013
Police say two Wichita Falls businesses are out of business until further notice and two people are behind bars.
It's is all a result of an extensive Wichita Falls police investigation by the financial crimes unit. And Wednesday they issued a search warrant at two businesses.
Two arrests have been made after police searched at the Lucky's #7 convenience store and the Shop N Go convenience store located in the 1400 block of 32nd Street.
Thirty-five year old Yovana Ballard and 35 year old Asif Juma are charged with the 3rd degree felony of Prohibited Activities.
The arrests are in connection with an investigation into Food Stamp fraud and using Lonestar cards for unauthorized purchases.
Police stood guard as the Wichita Falls police department's financial crimes unit conducted a search warrant at the Shop N Go convenience store, and across town more police were at the Lucky #7 convenience store.
Both searches were part of an extensive investigation into Food Stamp fraud involving electronic benefits cards known as Lonestar cards.
Police say it's the businesses are defrauding the government.
"There are specific things these Lonestar cards are suppose to be used for and during this investigation they were able to determine that these stores were selling things that weren't legitimate," said Sgt. John Spragins from the Wichita Falls Police Department.
For selling things like alcohol, synthetic marijuana and K2.
Purchases at these convenience stores aren't so convenient anymore since both stores are shut down as the investigation continues.
"It's unfortunate to see people scam on food stamps when there are hungry people out there you know that really need the food stamps, and stores are taking it for gas and alcohol it's just, it's just not right," said Jeremy Row, a customer at Lucky #7.
Police finished their search here around 2:00 pm, it was at that time when we saw the clerk coming out of this store but she didn't have any comments for us.
And police say there is a potential for more arrests to be made in this case as the investigation continues.
Police Execute Search Warrant to two Wichita Falls Businesses, Leads to Two Arrests
By: Lindsey Wospchall Updated: July 31, 2013
Police say two Wichita Falls businesses are out of business until further notice and two people are behind bars.
It's is all a result of an extensive Wichita Falls police investigation by the financial crimes unit. And Wednesday they issued a search warrant at two businesses.
Two arrests have been made after police searched at the Lucky's #7 convenience store and the Shop N Go convenience store located in the 1400 block of 32nd Street.
Thirty-five year old Yovana Ballard and 35 year old Asif Juma are charged with the 3rd degree felony of Prohibited Activities.
The arrests are in connection with an investigation into Food Stamp fraud and using Lonestar cards for unauthorized purchases.
Police stood guard as the Wichita Falls police department's financial crimes unit conducted a search warrant at the Shop N Go convenience store, and across town more police were at the Lucky #7 convenience store.
Both searches were part of an extensive investigation into Food Stamp fraud involving electronic benefits cards known as Lonestar cards.
Police say it's the businesses are defrauding the government.
"There are specific things these Lonestar cards are suppose to be used for and during this investigation they were able to determine that these stores were selling things that weren't legitimate," said Sgt. John Spragins from the Wichita Falls Police Department.
For selling things like alcohol, synthetic marijuana and K2.
Purchases at these convenience stores aren't so convenient anymore since both stores are shut down as the investigation continues.
"It's unfortunate to see people scam on food stamps when there are hungry people out there you know that really need the food stamps, and stores are taking it for gas and alcohol it's just, it's just not right," said Jeremy Row, a customer at Lucky #7.
Police finished their search here around 2:00 pm, it was at that time when we saw the clerk coming out of this store but she didn't have any comments for us.
And police say there is a potential for more arrests to be made in this case as the investigation continues.
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