Deputy Sheriff Charged With Food Stamp Fraud: State Police

PROVIDENCE, RI — A deputy sheriff with the state public safety department was arrested Wednesday night for food stamp fraud, state police said. Edward Cooper Jr., 49, of Providence, turned himself in Thursday. Police allege he collected $12,065 worth of benefits while he was also collecting his salary.

He is being charged with:

• Fraudulently Obtaining Assistance over $500 (felony)
• Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps over $500 (felony)
• Giving a False Document to a Public Official (misdemeanor)

He was released on personal recognizance and will be due in court later.

State police launched an investigation last month, after the Rhode Island Department of Human Services reported a possible fraud. The investigation revealed Cooper "applied for public assistance on Dec. 1, 2015, and collected food stamp benefits totaling $12,065.00 through November 1, 2017" but allegedly did not provide the state with correct information. If so, he would be ineligible for assistance, state police said.

"Deputy Sheriff Cooper, who has worked for the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs for the past 14 years, has been out of work due to a job-related injury since October 20, 2015," state police said. "As a result of his injured-on-duty status, he receives his annual state salary of $54,866 tax-free."

The Rhode Island State Police and the Department of Public Safety are investigating the matter "to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken," state police said.