Atlanta Influencer Indicted in Alleged $4.6 Million SNAP Fraud Scheme
An Atlanta social media influencer, Mercedes Reshard New, also known as “Shawty Dred,” has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a $4.6 million fraud scheme involving hundreds of fake SNAP accounts, stolen identities and fraudulently obtained EBT cards.…
Birmingham, AL, October 23, 2026 —
Atlanta social media influencer Mercedes Reshard New, known online as “Shawty Dred,” has been indicted on federal charges in connection with an alleged $4.6 million fraud scheme involving SNAP benefits, according to the information provided.
The alleged scheme involved hundreds of fake SNAP accounts created using stolen identities and fraudulently obtained EBT cards. Approximately $4 million in SNAP benefits was allegedly siphoned through New’s LLC. The LLC’s name was not provided.
The figures describe two related but distinct amounts: the alleged scheme is described as totaling $4.6 million, while approximately $4 million in SNAP benefits is reported as having been siphoned through the LLC. No further breakdown of the amounts was provided.
An indictment is a formal accusation; it does not by itself establish guilt. The information available does not identify the specific federal charges, say when the alleged conduct took place, or provide details about the court handling the case. It also does not state whether New has entered a plea, offer a response from her, or describe any next steps in the case.
The details provided do not specify how the alleged accounts were created or how the EBT cards were obtained beyond describing them as fraudulent. No information was given about other people who may have been charged, the status of the alleged accounts, or whether any benefits were recovered. Those details remain unclear based on the information available.
Story summarized from the original created by Atlanta First News staff on www.wbrc.com, see more information here.
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