SNAP card-skimming suspect arrested in Bristol Borough; police seek 2nd man
BRISTOL BOROUGH, Pa. (WPVI) -- A card-skimming scheme targeting SNAP recipients in Bristol Borough has left some residents without access to money for food, and authorities believe additional victims and businesses may have been affected.
Police have not said how many victims are involved, but officials are warning the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.
According to police, 38-year-old Ionut Oprea, of Florida, was caught Thursday installing a skimming device on payment terminals at the All Fresh Grocery Store on Pond Street. Authorities said store employees recognized Oprea and another man from a similar incident last month.
Police said Oprea was detained by employees until officers arrived and arrested him. The second man escaped and remains at large. According to police, he was last seen running toward Wood Street wearing a white shirt, dark shorts and a white baseball hat.
The alleged scheme targeted recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, which many seniors and low-income residents rely on to purchase groceries.
"This guy took food out of my mouth, and it's sad that people do this," said Bristol Borough resident Ed Lenegan.
Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said her mother-in-law has been victimized twice recently.
"She's a senior citizen, a cancer survivor; she needs these benefits to survive," the woman said.
The woman said her mother-in-law's benefit card has repeatedly been replaced after the incidents involving her stolen funds.
"This is the third card; she just got her card in the mail today," she said.
Bristol Borough police and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office are urging residents and business owners to inspect card readers daily for loose parts or signs of tampering. Authorities are also asking anyone who recognizes the suspects to contact investigators, saying they believe other businesses may have been targeted.
Officials described the crime as especially harmful because stolen EBT funds often cannot be recovered, leaving victims with limited options.
"Something needs to be done through the state; they need to chip these cards to protect them," the unidentified woman said.
"That's all I have to rely on," Lenegan added. "We go through a hard enough time in life right now; we don't need people doing this, taking from us. I hope they make an example out of him, whoever it is."
Authorities are encouraging EBT recipients to closely monitor their accounts and immediately report suspicious activity in an effort to mitigate losses.
Oprea is facing multiple charges. Authorities said he did not post bail and remains in custody in Bucks County.
