Probation Officer Charged With SNAP Fraud Makes $94,000 and Has Been on Paid Leave Since Arrest

A Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) employee who was charged by Rhode Island State Police with SNAP fraud and conspiracy has been on paid leave since her arrest.

RIDOC Probation and Parole Officer Tracee Johnson — who was arrested in August 2024 — is making $94,271.06 for fiscal year 2025, according to state records. 

Johnson is presently facing two felony charges. 

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“Ms. Johnson has been out on paid Administrative Leave,” RIDOC Public Information Officer J.R. Ventura told GoLocal.

“We must allow the legal system to run its course, and until that comes to a resolution, there is no further information we can provide at this time," he added. 

 

About RISP Arrest 

As GoLocal reported on August 2024, “RI State Police Arrest Probation Officer for Using Fugitive Friend’s SNAP Card.”

According to State Police, this investigation revealed that Johnson obtained and used Carlos Rodriguez’s EBT card and PIN for SNAP benefits in the amount of $729.01 from March 25, 2024, to June 22, 2024. 

Records obtained from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections indicate Rodriguez was incarcerated from November 24, 2015, through June 24, 2023. Visitor logs indicate that Johnson visited Rodriguez from 2016 through 2020 for a total of 65 times. Her relationship with Mr. Rodriguez during these visits was listed as both “friend” and “girlfriend.” 

In November of 2023, Rodriguez was identified as a suspect who shot at Johnston Police Officers after a vehicle pursuit and foot pursuit through Johnston and Providence. Rodriguez was not apprehended at the time of this incident. Police developed information indicating that Mr. Rodriguez, who was on probation for previous felony arrests, had fled the state. A national manhunt for Rodriguez was initiated with the assistance of Providence Police, Johnston Police, Rhode Island State Police, and the US Marshal’s Service.

During his time on the run, police learned that Johnson was using Rodriguez’s EBT Card and PIN to make purchases in Rhode Island. In April of 2024, Rodriguez was apprehended in Florida by U.S. Marshals.    

Johnson was arrested and charged with Fraudulent Use of Food Stamps § 40-6-16 and Conspiracy § 11-1-6. She entered no plea and was released on $3,000 personal recognizance after appearing before Associate Judge Stephen M. Isherwood.

 

Case Status

In September 2024, court records show there was a “hearing on motion for probable cause” - and the case moved forward. 

Since then, there have been two “diversion eligibility hearings” as well as two requests by Johnson to leave the state.

On Monday February 17, there is a scheduled motion to dismiss the case by Johnson’s attorney Kensley Barrett.

Barrett did not respond to request for comment. 

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