Michigan woman faces felony for alleged food stamp use to buy ingredients for bake sale

A Michigan woman is facing a felony charge after alleged fraud using a food stamps card to purchase ingredients for baked goods she later sold for profit.

Details: woman faces felony for alleged food stamp fraud

Talia C. Teneyuque, 32, of Saginaw, was charged with one count of food stamp fraud exceeding $1,000. Prosecutors allege she used her Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to buy supplies for baked goods, which she marketed and sold through Facebook between January 2022 and September 2023.

Authorities issued a warrant for Teneyuque’s arrest on June 30. She was taken into custody on August 4 and released the same day. At her arraignment on August 13, she was granted a $50,000 personal recognizance bond.

If convicted, Teneyuque could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Her case, initially scheduled for early September, was delayed on September 3.

Ongoing Investigation

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working with local prosecutors to investigate the alleged misuse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Under federal guidelines, SNAP benefits may not be used to purchase items for resale.

Officials say food stamp fraud becomes a felony when the value of the misuse exceeds $1,000. Prosecutors argue that Teneyuque’s actions involved deliberate deception for financial gain.

Teneyuque has not publicly commented on the charges. It remains unclear whether she has retained legal counsel.

She is expected to appear in court later this year. Legal experts note that the case could influence future enforcement of benefit misuse involving online platforms.