A Louisiana husband and wife have been arrested for allegedly defrauding SNAP and Medicaid programs of over $126,000 through an elaborate scheme spanning nearly eight years. Krystle Garcia, 38, and Cody Simmons, 39, both of Benton, face charges of government benefits fraud and unauthorized use of food stamps.

Investigators from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation discovered that Garcia underreported household income and failed to disclose her marriage to Simmons while receiving benefits between October 2017 and June 2025. The couple lived together in Bossier Parish, where Simmons had employment but did not enroll Garcia or their children in his employer's health insurance program. Garcia allegedly misrepresented her living situation and income status to qualify for assistance.

Authorities found evidence that Simmons used Garcia's SNAP benefits card at a Bossier Parish grocery store to purchase goods. The investigation revealed the couple worked together to maintain the fraud, with Garcia submitting false addresses and Simmons having private insurance coverage while allowing his family to receive government benefits. Both were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison following their arrests on February 18.