A Mississippi woman has been indicted after state investigators concluded that she improperly received $25,124 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Kia Mays of Claiborne County was arrested on June 24, 2026, following an investigation by the Mississippi Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The state has not publicly identified the specific charge, explained how Mays allegedly obtained the benefits or disclosed how long the payments continued.
The State Has Not Disclosed the Alleged Method
The Mississippi Department of Human Services said its investigators determined that Mays had received $25,124 in SNAP benefits for which she was allegedly not eligible. Agent Griffin conducted the investigation through the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Investigation.
The agency did not say that Mays concealed income, misrepresented who lived in her household or failed to report another eligibility change. MDHS also did not release an indictment, charging document or investigative affidavit providing additional information about the allegations.
The Indictment Came 15 Days Before the Arrest
The Office of Inspector General referred its findings to the Claiborne County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors secured an indictment on June 9.
Mays was arrested 15 days later and taken into custody by Claiborne County authorities. The state’s announcement did not disclose the number of counts, Mays’ bond conditions or her next scheduled court appearance.
SNAP Households Can Report Changes Through a State Form
The agency’s SNAP guidance lists wages, tips, child support, unemployment payments, Social Security benefits, pensions, monetary gifts and other government assistance among the income that may need to be reported. MDHS also directs recipients to report relevant changes involving people moving into or out of the household, bank balances, property, land, stocks and lump-sum payments.
Recipients can document changes using the SNAP/TANF Change Reporting Form, identified as MDHS EA Form 946. The form covers changes in income, household composition, rent, mortgage costs and other circumstances.
MDHS accepts reports of suspected fraud involving SNAP and other public-assistance programs through its online Fraud Tip Form. Reports can also be made by calling the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-299-6905 or emailing fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.