The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the indictment of Ionut Popovici, a 33-year-old Romanian national. Popovici faces charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal grand jury issued the indictment on May 28, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Popovici allegedly used stolen SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card information at Sam’s Club stores located in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg over two days in March 2023. During this time, he reportedly made illegal purchases amounting to thousands of dollars.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation consolidates resources from various task forces including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Popovici could face up to twenty years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and fines as determined by federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
