An Instagram influencer from Georgia, known online as Mercedes Reshard New, or “Shawty Dred,” has been charged with a significant fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Prosecutors allege that New was responsible for orchestrating a scheme that stole more than £4 million meant for vulnerable families in need of support.
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New’s arrest on 13 October followed an indictment on 46 counts of mail fraud, along with 15 counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces additional charges for SNAP fraud and illegal transactions involving access devices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia detailed these charges in a recent press release.
Between January 2020 and July 2026, New is accused of controlling over 350 fraudulent SNAP accounts. These accounts were allegedly set up using stolen identities, allowing him to exploit the federal programme designed to provide food assistance to those in financial hardship. His operation gained considerable traction during this period, with New showcasing an extravagant lifestyle on his Instagram profile, which has garnered a following of more than 2 million users.
According to prosecutors, New employed several tactics to facilitate his fraudulent scheme, one of which involved having SNAP EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) debit cards sent to various addresses across Atlanta. Additionally, he registered a limited liability company as an authorised SNAP retailer, enabling him to extract benefits from the programme illegitimately.
Between April and November 2025, New purportedly siphoned over £660,000 in SNAP benefits by using these EBT cards in conjunction with point-of-sale devices affiliated with his business. His fraudulent activities apparently persisted even after the U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked his store’s authorisation in November 2025, due to prior misconduct.
Shortly after this revocation, local law enforcement apprehended New in connection with reports of him selling SNAP benefit cards at a retail location in metro Atlanta. During the arrest, officers seized 14 of the fraudulent cards; however, allegations have surfaced that New received replacement cards at his store and other local addresses. Prosecutors claim these were used to facilitate the theft of approximately £4 million from SNAP accounts.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned New’s actions, highlighting the grave impact of his alleged theft on families relying on SNAP for their basic sustenance. “New allegedly stole over £4 million meant for poor families who need help putting food on the table,” he stated. Hertzberg emphasised that his office is dedicated to addressing abuses within the SNAP programme, vowing to hold accountable those who exploit taxpayer money intended to assist vulnerable populations.
In court proceedings, Magistrate Judge J. Elizabeth McBath indicated a “serious risk” of flight should New be released prior to his trial. As a result, she ordered him to be remanded in custody until the case can be heard.
The initial pre-trial conference has been scheduled for 10 November, with many observers keenly awaiting further developments in this high-profile case. The unfolding narrative sheds light not only on the individual accused but also raises awareness of the broader issue of fraud within government assistance programmes.
As the investigation continues, and with New’s social media presence still drawing attention, the implications of his actions will likely reverberate across the communities affected by this alleged misconduct. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding public resources against exploitation.