Atlanta-based social media influencer Mercedes Reshard New, also known as Shawty Dred, has been indicted over an alleged scheme involving more than $4 million in benefits from the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He was arrested on October 13 and remains in custody.
According to the US Department of Justice, New allegedly created more than 350 fraudulent SNAP accounts between January 2020 and July 2026 using stolen identities. The associated electronic benefit transfer cards were reportedly sent to addresses across Atlanta.
Prosecutors allege that New registered his company, Shawty Dred LLC, as an authorized SNAP retailer. Through transactions involving the fraudulent cards, he allegedly withdrew more than $660,000.
After the company’s retailer authorization was revoked in November 2025, New allegedly approached Walmart shoppers and offered to pay for their groceries with EBT cards in exchange for cash, prosecutors said.
New faces 63 federal charges, including mail fraud, aggravated identity theft and SNAP fraud. At a court hearing on October 22, he pleaded not guilty and was denied bond after prosecutors argued that he posed a flight risk. Further proceedings are pending.
Sources: Dexerto.