Latest news with #Rader
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Newsweek
Trio in Ohio Stole $600K in SNAP Benefits to Buy Junk Food: Officials
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Three people in Ohio are accused of stealing $600,000 worth of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase candy and energy drinks, according to local officials. Newsweek has contacted the Ohio Department of Public Safety via email for comment. Why It Matters SNAP benefits provide food benefits to low-income families and is a common target for fraud. SNAP benefits are administered to recipients through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which are loaded with money each month to use in participating stores across the country. Like regular debit or credit cards, they are subject to scams such as cloning, phishing or skimming. During the first quarter of 2025, nearly 18,500 households in Ohio reported SNAP benefit theft totaling almost $18.5 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). What To Know After a year-long investigation, Columbus residents Ionut Bizga, 33, Doina Bacelan, 32, and Juan Hernandez, 26, have each been indicted for a "pattern of corrupt activity and food stamp fraud," according to a spokesperson with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, speaking to local news station WHIO-TV. The investigation started in August 2024 when the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) got a tip about stolen SNAP benefits being used for fake EBT transactions at Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale stores in Columbus. Agents linked the suspects to the fraudulent EBT purchases by using several surveillance techniques and store video. The suspects allegedly bought large amounts of candy and energy drinks with the stolen benefits, with around $3,000 worth of goods bought each visit. The candy and beverages were stored in various Columbus storage units before being transported out of state in box trucks, often ending up with local distributors. Investigators also found card skimmers, cloned gift and credit cards, laptops and cell phones that are linked to the case. Lawmakers in Ohio are working to combat the pervasive SNAP benefit theft issue. Ohio Representatives Kellie Deeter, Tristan Rader, and Desiree Tims have introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen protections for SNAP recipients. House Bill 163, the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Rader and Deeter, proposes replacing current EBT cards with chip-enabled versions, launching a pilot program in high-risk areas, educating recipients on fraud prevention, and working with retailers to enhance transaction security. Meanwhile, House Bill 174, the No Hungry Families Act, co-sponsored by Rader and Tims, seeks to establish a state-run reimbursement program for SNAP recipients whose benefits are stolen. The bill would allocate state funds to help families recover lost food assistance and directly address common fraud tactics like card skimming and cloning. Stock image/file photo: Police lights on law enforcement vehicles. Stock image/file photo: Police lights on law enforcement vehicles. GETTY What People Are Saying Ohio Representative Tristan Rader said on LinkedIn regarding overall SNAP benefit theft in Ohio earlier this year: "Tens of thousands of Ohio families have had their SNAP benefits stolen, leaving them without food and putting more pressure on food banks. I am working to stop this fraud and make sure help gets to those who need it— because no one should go hungry due to a broken system." What Happens Next? The Ohio Department of Public Safety is working to identify additional suspects in the case.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Henderson appoints LVMPD deputy chief as new police chief
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Henderson's city manager announced the appointment of Reggie Rader, a deputy chief with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, as its new chief of police at a news conference Wednesday. The city manager, Stephanie Garcia-Vause, fired Rader's predecessor, Hollie Chadwick, in March. In an exclusive interview with the 8 News Now Investigators, Chadwick – who is now running against the incumbent Michelle Romero in the 2026 mayoral election – insists that Romero pushed her out of the city's top law enforcement position after less than two years. Ex-Henderson police chief blames mayor for abrupt dismissal, announces bid to run against her Rader was appointed as police chief after a relatively brief search. In April, Garcia-Vause announced she would complete the search for a new chief by summertime. 'We conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader to guide our police department into its next chapter,' Garcia-Vause said. 'Reggie brings a notable combination of professional excellence, deep community roots, and a long-term vision for Henderson's public safety. We're confident in his ability to bring our policing services to the next level.' Rader has nearly 30 years of experience in public safety and community policing across Southern Nevada. He started as a volunteer explorer with LVMPD and then rose through the ranks to his current role as LVMPD deputy chief of the Homeland Security Division. As deputy chief of the Homeland Security Division, he leads more than 400 sworn and civilian personnel and oversees critical areas, including the Office of Community Engagement, the Homeless Outreach Team, the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, crime analytics, event planning, and more. Throughout his time with LVMPD, Rader also served as deputy chief of the East Patrol Services Division, captain of the Organizational Development Bureau, captain of the Southeast Area Command and detective, sergeant, and lieutenant of the gang unit and other specialized units. In 2016 Rader was awarded the highest law enforcement honor, The Medal of Valor. Rader was a long-time member of the LVMPD Honor Guard, recognized with several Exemplary Service Awards and was instrumental in establishing the Incident Command System following the 1 October mass shooting. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University and is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Rader is a proud Green Valley High School graduate and a longtime Henderson resident. 'I'm honored to serve the City where I grew up,' Rader said. 'This department is filled with dedicated professionals who care deeply about their work and the community. My goal is to support them fully, lead with transparency, and ensure we set next-level standards in policing. I look forward to collaborating with our officers, union leadership, City leadership, and the community.' Rader is expected to begin Monday, July 7 and an Oath of Office ceremony is set to take place during a special Henderson City Council meeting on July 15. Henderson begins hiring process for new police chief; decision expected by summer Chadwick's immediate replacement, acting Chief Itzhak Henn, announced his retirement four weeks ago. The city, in a written statement, told the 8 News Now Investigators that it anticipated Henn's retirement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Courier-Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Most expensive Aussie city for car parking revealed
Fifty cent public transport fares have done little to stop Brisbane drivers from getting behind the wheel, with the cost of parking more expensive than Sydney, new research reveals. The Queensland capital's CBD has retained its position as Australia's most expensive parking market for the second straight year, with daily casual rates now averaging $80.84 or about $400 a week — surpassing Sydney's $77. Ray White Group's head of research Vanessa Rader said she was surprised so many commuters were still choosing to pay $80 a day for parking, over $1 a day for public transport — one year on from the 50 cent fares being announced. RELATED: Park that! What would you pay to park your car in Australia? 'Why wouldn't you take public transport given there's such a price disparity between parking your car and taking the bus?' Ms Rader said. 'I think there was a lot of interest in taking up 50 cent fares early on, but issues with associated parking, perhaps, at train stations and near buses made it not as easy to utilise services as initially hoped. 'It's good to see (the fares are) still in effect, given the cost of living issues. As traffic and congestion gets worse, the hope… is that people will look at alternatives and it will save them money.' MORE: Origin star Harry Grant adds to growing property portfolio ahead of game 1 First Look: Inside the $15m restoration of this renowned city hotel The research, released today, by Ray White also reflects Brisbane's limited parking supply coupled with stronger office attendance, demonstrated by its 10.2 per cent office vacancy rate. 'If prices are going up, that means that there's demand, which means people are coming into the office, the city's more vibrant, and there's more activity going on,' Ms Rader said. '(Brisbane's) office takeup over the past 12 months has outperformed other places.' But Brisbane parking operators still offer substantial discounts of 55.5 per cent for online bookings and 57.9 per cent for early bird parkers, revealing continued competition for regular commuters despite the market's strength. Melbourne is becoming one of the cheaper markets for parking, with daily rates of $64.43 below 2013 levels ($65.00). This decline mirrors Melbourne's struggling office market, which maintains the highest vacancy rate among Australian CBDs at 18 per cent and continues to experience negative occupied stock change. Sydney's average parking rate of $77 is well below its 2023 peak of $85.05, while Hobart's sits at $18.83 and has the lowest office vacancy rate among all CBDs at just 3.6 per cent. It comes as a recent report revealed the eye watering amount being charged by homeowners to rent vacant car spaces in Brisbane's inner-city area. The Parkin' Mad report by NRMA and Bitzios Consulting found Brisbane drivers were splashing out around $60 a day. A vacant car park at Ballow Chambers in Spring Hill is currently listed for $37,500 a year. Another car park, also in Spring Hill, is listed for sale for $47,500 on while another is listed for rent for $300 a month. NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said part of the reason parking prices had risen to unreasonable levels was due to policies decreasing the number of available parking spots. 'It's a culmination of a number of things: construction and rezoning, the building of cycle paths and building shared paths has seen a lot of parking lost in recent years,' Mr Khoury said. 'Less parking options is obviously going to increase costs.' He said the continued reduction of on-street parking meant more people needed to rely on expensive parking stations and called on the government to set a cap on parking fees. In February, Brisbane City Council reduced car parking requirements for inner-city apartment buildings as part of its Inner-City Affordability Initiative. Property Council Queensland executive director Jess Caire said the decision would help drive down the cost of building inner-city apartments. 'As outlined in our research, car parking is estimated to add an extra $100,000 to the cost of an apartment for 'at grade' car parks, and more for basement car parks,' Ms Caire said. Ms Rader said renting out private car spaces may become more common in Brisbane, particularly given the new parking requirements. 'If there's going to be less parking with new developments, you'd think (renting a car park) could be quite attractive to people,' she said. 'It could be a good little income earner for those who don't have a car.' Additional reporting by Samantha Healy
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dog, owner safe after going into open manhole
May 19—PERRY TOWNSHIP — Perry Township Fire Department successfully rescued a dog from a 15- to 20-foot deep manhole using a Megamover Portable Transport Unit at approximately 8:20 p.m. Friday. The dog, which is owned by Michael Flanagan, was running and fell into the manhole, Perry Township Fire Chief Kevin Rader said in a phone call. Flanagan went into the hole to try to get the dog but was able to self-extricate. Shawnee Fire Department's below-grade resources were requested but not used after Perry was able to retrieve the dog. Rader encouraged the public to be aware and report open, uncovered manholes to utility departments or emergency services. "If there's anything ever in the storm drains, we recommend people do not go down there, Rader said. The crew covered up the hole and marked it until it can be repaired in the future. Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351 Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Human bones found at Greene Co. property; search group breaks down extensive recovery efforts
A man found human remains while working on renovations at a house in Greene County, and now work is being done to identify them. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The bones were found Tuesday at a home in the area of U.S. 68 and Clifton Road in Xenia Township. Texas EquuSearch responded to the scene to help excavate the bones, which was not an easy task. TRENDING STORIES: Mother of NFL first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon dies 13-year-old girl found in car with 2 men during traffic stop; she's safe, they're facing charges Purdue University's train mascot involved in deadly crash 'Part of the house needed to be structurally brought up to speed so it wouldn't collapse on us,' David Rader, Midwest Director of Texas EquuSearch, said. Rader said firefighters came to the home a braced it so they could do their recovery work. They began digging all around the porch of the home to locate any human remains possible. 'I mean, we got down there further, and the further we got down, the more other things that we were finding, other than the human side of it, where it was a lot of animal bones that were identified,' he said. On News Center 7 at 5:00, Rader said once they'd located all the human remains in the porch area, they began expanding the search. 'We did go into the crawl space of the house, which did yield a few more bones,' Rader said. Once they finished the crawl space excavation, they checked all around the area, looking for any ground that looked previously dug up or disturbed. They then went one step further. 'We decided to call dogs in, let them run the area, let them run through what we had previously processed,' he explained. 'They didn't find anything else.' The bones recovered by Texas EquuSearch were brought to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office and Crime Lab for more confirmation and potential testing. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
