An 18-month undercover investigation in Fairfield has led to 14 arrests involving fraud, money laundering and drug charges.
Officials from multiple law enforcement agencies Wednesday arrested 14 employees and owners of two Fairfield food companies: U.S. Beef of Cincinnati and Butcher Food Shop Distributors.
Federal authorities say employees at the door-to-door food sales companies would exchange food stamp vouchers for cash, drugs and other items.
Records allege the fraud began in December 2011 and adds up to nearly $1.5 million.
The 14 people arrested are scheduled to be in federal court Thursday afternoon.
Charges include: conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, illegal use of Food Stamp benefits, theft of public money, money laundering and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (including near schools and playgrounds).
Those arrested are:
Steven E. Mueller, 61, of Fairfield
Joseph Raymond Gray, 34, of Fairfield
Jeffrey C. Knab, 58, of Cincinnati
Andrie Lamarr Scott, 22, of Cincinnati
Francis E. Racicot, IV, 32, of Cincinnati
Rici Lynn Hopkins, 25, of Cincinnati
Christopher Doane, 29, of Cincinnati
Scott Andrew Traum, 45, of Cincinnati
Joey Lightcap-Traum, 43, of Cincinnati
Dalton Andrew Traum, 19, of Cincinnati
Keith Blankenship, 35, of Loveland
Gregory M. Brown, 35, of Cincinnati
Jordan A. Kaiser, 22, of Fairfield
William N. King, 22, of Fairfield