Romanian Couple Pleads Guilty After Stealing $27,000 in Oregon Food Benefits Through Baby Formula Purchases
A Romanian couple has pleaded guilty to stealing SNAP benefits valued at $27,000. They face a maximum prison sentence of five years.
The couple, both 35 years old and who have been living in the U.S. illegally, also admitted to the theft of food benefits from low-income individuals and families.
Aramis and Cristina Manolea, according to court documents, were involved in the thefts between April and November 2025.
The Couple Stole SNAP-Eligible Baby Formula
The couple stole Electronic Benefit Transfer account information and related PINs to purchase SNAP-eligible food items such as baby formula.
The stolen food items were then packed into storage units, loaded onto trucks and vans, and transported to California.
The couple was indicted by a federal grand jury in Portland on November 12, 2025, on charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., aggravated identity theft, unauthorized use of access devices, possession, production, and trafficking of device-making equipment.
The Manoleas have agreed to pay restitution in full as part of a plea agreement and now face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
Cristina Manolea will be sentenced on May 22, and Aramis Manolea on May 29. They will both appear before a U.S. district court judge.