California Food Truck Owner Indicted in SNAP Fraud Scheme
An Orange County food truck operator has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly trafficking in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with authorities describing her business as the highest-redeeming vendor among nearby fruit and vegetable stores and large grocery chains.
Esmeralda Soriano, 48, also known as Esmeralda Aguilar and Esmeralda Silva, of Santa Ana, faces two counts of illegal trafficking in SNAP benefits. Her arraignment is scheduled for August 13 in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. She is free on a $5,000 bond.
How the Alleged Fraud Was Detected
According to the federal indictment returned on Wednesday, Soriano Produce operates a low-volume fruit and vegetable mobile food truck in Santa Ana. The business was authorized as an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) SNAP retailer in March 2023.
The operation uses only one point-of-sale device for EBT SNAP transactions. Investigators noted that the lack of scanners, combined with consistently high-dollar transactions and rapid back-to-back transactions, are indicators of possible fraud.
Comparison with Other Retailers
Law enforcement examined similar SNAP authorized fruit and vegetable businesses within a 20 mile radius of Soriano Produce between April 2025 and April 2026. Soriano's business was the largest SNAP redeemer, with a total store volume of approximately $640,924. This amount was more than six times that of its nearest competitor, with an average purchase amount of $151.41.
Even when compared to large grocery stores within a five mile radius during the same period, Soriano Produce was the highest redeemer of SNAP benefits. This occurred despite having more than 9,700 fewer transactions than the closest grocery store. Soriano Produce also recorded the highest average transaction amount.
Excessive Transactions Uncovered
Investigators discovered numerous excessively large EBT SNAP transactions at Soriano Produce. A dozen transactions reached or exceeded $1,000, far surpassing the California average of $17.72 for a fruit and vegetable store.
If convicted, Soriano faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
Separate Case in Los Angeles
In a related matter, a federal grand jury on July 31 indicted Jesse Cervantes-Gomez, 30, also known as Ventura, of Fontana, on three counts of illegal trafficking in SNAP benefits. Cervantes-Gomez was arrested on July 2 for exchanging SNAP benefits for cash at Escamex, a downtown Los Angeles store. His arraignment is set for August 11 in U.S. District Court. He is free on a $5,000 bond and faces a maximum of five years in prison for each count if convicted.
Both indictments are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Broader Context of SNAP Fraud
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that SNAP helps feed about 40 million people but is full of fraud. Homeland Security Investigations and the USDA Office of Inspector General are investigating these matters with assistance from the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Jones of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The division is focused on investigating and prosecuting fraud against the American people. This work supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole of government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.