Rapper Fraudster Burned Cash, Now Faces Federal Charges
Federal prosecutors charge rapper Shawty Dred with $4.6M SNAP fraud, using fake identities and EBT cards.
2 min read
The Trump administration has charged a rapper and influencer, known online as Shawty Dred, with a $4.6 million fraud scheme involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The case highlights the extent of identity theft and misuse of public funds in the U.S. welfare system.
Mercelis New, also known as Shawty Dred, operated under multiple fake identities to siphon over $4.6 million from the SNAP program. Using stolen identities from the Georgia Department of Human Services, he created more than 350 fake accounts and obtained EBT cards, which he either sold or used through his own company, Shawty Dred LLC.
New allegedly used the stolen benefits for personal luxury, including expensive cars, mansions, and private jets. He also posted videos of burning cash online, a practice that has drawn criticism as emblematic of the flaws in America’s welfare system.
Prosecutors have indicted New on 46 counts of mail fraud, 15 counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of food stamp fraud. This case is part of a broader federal crackdown on SNAP fraud, which has already identified $42 million in fraudulent activity.
Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized New, stating that SNAP exists to help hungry children, not to fund private jets. Vance highlighted the rapper’s extensive social media presence, which included a two-million-follower account, as key in identifying the fraud.
.@WHFraudTF uncovers $42M in food stamp thefts — including lewd rapper who literally set cash on fire
https://t.co/q19153vBcC
Despite multiple legal troubles, including a 2022 arrest for using his apartment balcony as a toilet while naked, New was not jailed. He had previously expressed ambitions of opening a strip club and achieving “world domination.” Now, with the federal charges, his arrogance and greed are reportedly in check.
New’s case underscores the systemic issues in the SNAP program and the ease with which fraud can occur when oversight is lacking. The Justice Department continues to investigate, suggesting the case may not be an isolated incident.
Source: PJ Media
