LAKEWOOD, N.J. – A Lakewood couple has been charged after allegedly stealing more than $75,000 in federal food assistance by falsifying financial information over several years.
Refael Busel, 43, and Rivka Busel, 39, face charges of theft by deception and issuing a false financial statement.
Authorities said the scheme spanned from September 2019 through August 2023 and involved repeated false claims to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Key Points
- Lakewood couple accused of obtaining over $75,000 in SNAP benefits
- Charged with theft by deception and issuing a false financial statement
- Both surrendered to police and await court appearance
Investigators uncover years-long fraud
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the couple failed to disclose multiple sources of household income when applying for and renewing SNAP benefits. Detectives from the Economic Crime Squad determined the omissions allowed the couple to receive benefits they were not legally entitled to.
Officials said the investigation revealed a pattern of deceptive filings that misrepresented the family’s financial situation, allowing them to collect public assistance funds intended for low-income households.
Couple turns themselves in
On Tuesday, Refael and Rivka Busel voluntarily surrendered at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters. They were processed and released on summonses pending their first court appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited the Economic Crime Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Board of Social Services for their joint efforts in uncovering the fraud.
Authorities did not specify the couple’s employment or the exact amount of unreported income but confirmed the investigation remains active.