27-year-old Man Arrested for Allegedly Hacking Hinds County Human Services System, Fraudulently Issuing Food Stamp Benefits

MISSISSIPPI — A 27-year-old man identified as Jackson has been arrested in connection with a cyberattack on the Hinds County Human Services Department that resulted in the fraudulent disbursement of food stamp benefits worth thousands of dollars, authorities said over the weekend.

According to law enforcement reports, the suspect allegedly gained unauthorized access to the county’s welfare system and approved hundreds of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications. Investigators say newly registered applicants were mailed Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards loaded with $2,500 each, while existing recipients also received unauthorized credits of $2,500.

The breach, which is believed to have occurred remotely, was discovered after internal monitoring systems flagged a significant spike in application approvals and unusually high benefit disbursements.

The suspect was taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including computer fraud, theft of public funds, and unauthorized access to a government system. His bond was set at $100,000, which he has since posted. He has been released pending further court proceedings.

Officials from the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), in coordination with federal authorities, are currently conducting a full-scale investigation into the extent of the breach. The agency has temporarily suspended new electronic SNAP application processing while system audits and cybersecurity checks are underway.

“This breach represents a serious compromise of government systems and misuse of public resources intended for families in need,” said a spokesperson for MDHS. “We are working with law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals to prevent further incidents and hold those responsible accountable.”

The FBI and USDA Office of Inspector General have also been notified, and their involvement in the investigation is expected.

Residents who receive SNAP benefits are being urged to monitor their EBT balances and report any unusual activity. Authorities are calling on anyone with relevant information to come forward as investigations continue.