DeSoto County woman facing charges in $26,000 SNAP fraud case

A DeSoto County woman is scheduled to appear in court later this month following her arrest for allegedly defrauding the state’s food assistance program of nearly $26,000.

Jasmine Lampkin, age 32 of Southaven, was arrested on Dec. 15, 2025, after a grand jury returned an indictment on Dec. 10, according to records from the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). She faces several counts of fraud in connection with a state or federally funded program.

The MDHS Investigations Division alleges that Lampkin received $25,839 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for which she was not eligible. Authorities claim the over payment was the result of Lampkin failing to accurately report her household income to the agency.

The case was referred to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. District Attorney Matthew Barton has previously signaled a crackdown on public assistance abuse, emphasizing that such funds are reserved for residents in genuine need.

Lampkin was released from the DeSoto County Jail on Dec. 19 after posting bond. Her first court appearance is set for Jan. 14.

Under Mississippi law, individuals convicted of welfare fraud may face significant fines and potential prison time, in addition to being required to pay full restitution to the state. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.