California Department of Social Services EBT Fraud and Theft Detection Unit assisted with this investigation

“We applaud the investigative work done by those who conducted this sting operation in an effort to protect public funds and those who rely on assistance to purchase food and necessities.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

KERN COUNTY – On November 1, 2024, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, Bakersfield Police Department, Department of Homeland Security (HSI), California Department of Social Services EBT Fraud and Theft Detection Unit, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sting operation targeting individuals using skimming devices and fraudulent EBT cards to make illegal ATM withdrawals in Bakersfield.

The operation resulted in three arrests, with 58 felony and misdemeanor charges including money laundering, grand theft, conspiracy, identity theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and fraud using scanning devices.

Investigators seized $15,702 in cash, 48 fraudulent credit cards, burglary tools, and devices used in the scams. Those arrested were Mari-Mar Milica, 25, Fernando Stantu, 22, and Alberto-Ionel Baran, 24.

Kern County has seen a rise in skimming incidents, particularly targeting EBT cards. In October 2024, more than $875,000 in benefits was reported stolen. Criminals install illegal skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and merchant sale terminals, capturing card information and encoding it onto other cards. EBT fraud targets low-income households, depriving them of essential assistance meant for food and basic needs.

DA Zimmer commented; “It’s troubling that criminals are exploiting both taxpayer resources and essential government assistance for their own personal gain. This behavior is not only unethical—it’s a serious crime. I am proud of the collaboration between our office and our law enforcement partners, who have worked tirelessly to bring this scheme to light and protect our community.”