Rhode Island probation officer accused of using fugitive’s food stamps

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — A Cranston woman has been arrested for allegedly using a man’s SNAP benefits while he was on the run from police.

Tracee Johnson, 46, is charged with fraudulent use of food stamps and conspiracy, according to Rhode Island State Police.

Johnson is accused of using the EBT card belonging to Carlos Rodriguez to make $729 in SNAP purchases between March 25 and June 22 of this year. Police said she was employed as a probation officer with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) at the time.

Rodriguez, 46, was wanted for his alleged involvement in a shootout with a Johnston police officer in Providence following a chase last November. He got away, but was eventually captured in Florida in April.

RIDOC records show that Rodriguez was in prison from November 2015 until June 2023. During that time, Johnson visited him 65 times and listed herself as his “friend” and “girlfriend” in the visitor logs, police said.

No plea was entered at Johnson’s arraignment and she was released on $3,000 personal recognizance. She’s due back in court in November.

Police said Rodriguez is currently incarcerated in Rhode Island and will face the same charges as Johnson in this case.

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