1LAKEWOOD, N.J. – A Lakewood couple has been charged after allegedly stealing more than $75,000 in federal food assistance by falsifying financial information over several years.

Refael Busel, 43, and Rivka Busel, 39, face charges of theft by deception and issuing a false financial statement.

Authorities said the scheme spanned from September 2019 through August 2023 and involved repeated false claims to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Key Points

Lakewood couple accused of obtaining over $75,000 in SNAP benefits

Charged with theft by deception and issuing a false financial statement

Both surrendered to police and await court appearance

Investigators uncover years-long fraud

According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the couple failed to disclose multi

See Full Page