Authorities Arrest Two Wildwood Residents for Misuse of a Food Stamp Card
Friday, February 19, 2016
For Immediate Release - February 18, 2016
Cape May Court House, New Jersey - Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor announces the arrest of Jose Ramos, 62, of Wildwood, New Jersey, and Cloefe Jimenez, 49, also of Wildwood, NJ culminating a theft investigation involving the Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and the Cape May County Board of Social Services.
Cape May County Board of Social Services investigators learned that Ramos was utilizing Jimenez, an employee at a Deli located within the City of Wildwood, to cash out his monthly Social Services Benefit in exchange for cash. The County Board of Social Services notified the Prosecutor's Office and a joint investigation was initiated.
As a result of this investigation, Jose Ramos was charged with Misuse of a Food Stamp Card, a crime of the fourth degree and Conspiracy to Commit Theft, a crime of the third degree. Cloefe Jimenez was charged with Misuse of a Food Stamp Card, a crime of the fourth degree and Theft, a crime of the third degree. Both Ramos and Jimenez were released on summons pending Court proceedings.
According to Prosecutor Taylor, individuals charged with a crimes of the third degree upon conviction are subject to a term of imprisonment of three to five years in New Jersey State Prison and individuals charged with a crime of the fourth degree upon conviction are subject to a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Taylor stated this investigation and other investigations concerning the alleged use of fraudulent Social Services benefits are on-going. Prosecutor Taylor said his Office along with Investigators from the Board of Social Services will fully investigate and subsequently prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, any individuals responsible for the theft of benefits that are intended for the Citizens of Cape May County.
Prosecutor Taylor urges any with information regarding the theft of benefits from the Board of Social Services or any other crime to report it anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime- Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or 877-465-2801, as well as the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at 609-465-1135.