Nationwide — Talia C. Teneyuque, a 32-year-old African American woman from Saginaw, Michigan, is facing serious charges after prosecutors accused her of allegedly misusing food stamps to buy baking supplies for goods she later sold online. She could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
According to MLive, prosecutors say Teneyuque ran her small business on Facebook, selling baked goods between January 2022 and September 2023. During that time, she allegedly used her Bridge Card, which provides food benefits through Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, to purchase ingredients for her products.
Authorities issued a warrant for her arrest on June 30. She was taken into custody on August 4 and released the same day after posting bond. At her arraignment on August 13, a judge set her free on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond.
Court records show she is charged with food stamp fraud of $1,000 or more. In addition to possible prison time, she faces a fine of up to $250,000.
News of her arrest quickly spread online and sparked public debate. Many social media users questioned whether prison was an appropriate punishment.
“Why not make her pay it back and call it square instead of giving her over to the prison institution?” one person wrote. Another added, “Let her repay with her profits, then move on with her life. 10 years is insane.”
Others speculated about how authorities learned of her alleged misuse of benefits. Some suggested that someone close to her reported it, while others noted that the government typically does not monitor individual purchases unless flagged.
Teneyuque’s case remains active as she awaits further court hearings.