These days, it’s not surprising to hear stories about individuals using EBT cards for luxurious purchases — such as alcohol, sushi, crab legs, and even pot. However, a man in Martin County, Florida really tried to push the limits this week when he attempted to purchase a $60,000 BMW using his EBT card.
Authorities arrested 36-year-old Nicholas Jackson on Wednesday and charged him with felony grand theft auto. Officers said that Jackson apparently stole a BMW from a Pompano Beach auto dealership a day after they denied his request to purchase the car using both his EBT food stamp benefits card and a separate credit card. Ironically, Jackson was captured after he had run out of gas, and apparently had no money to fill the tank.
Utilization of EBT benefits has risen drastically since 2008, with approximately 46 million individuals enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 2014. The program has long been criticized as an unnecessary benefit to many households that use the cards to purchase items the average American would consider an expensive treat, such as steak, crab legs, lobster, or sweets.
There have also been instances of welfare recipients using their EBT cards to withdraw cash at liquor stores, casinos, legal marijuana dispensaries, and even strip clubs. While it is certainly reasonable for those who qualify for public assistance to purchase meat, fruits, and vegetables with SNAP benefits, the average taxpayer would probably prefer that their hard-earned money not be used for alcohol, marijuana, lap dances, or luxury cars.
