RI State Police Arrest Probation Officer for Using Fugitive Friend’s SNAP Card
GoLocalProv News Team
RI State Police Arrest Probation Officer for Using Fugitive Friend’s SNAP Card
Johnson is employed by the State of Rhode Island, Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole.
This is the second arrest of an employee of the Department of Corrections in the past week.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording 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 US Marshals.
Johnson was arrested outside of Providence Superior Court. She was returned to the State Police Lincoln Barracks where she declined to be interviewed. She was processed and transported to 6th District Court for arraignment. She was 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.
Johnson’s next court date is November 15, 2024.
Rodriguez, who is currently incarcerated in Rhode Island, was scheduled to appear in 6th District Court on Monday.