§ 5-504. Prohibited acts

   (a) Sale or purchase of food stamp program benefits. -- A person may not sell or purchase food stamp program benefits unless otherwise authorized by law.

(b) Merchandise purchased with food stamp program benefits. -- A person may not knowingly buy or sell merchandise that has been purchased with food stamp program benefits.

(c) Penalty -- Value at least $1,000. -- If the value of the money or goods involved is $ 1,000 or more, a person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction:

   (1) is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $ 10,000 or both; and

   (2) shall make full restitution of the money or goods unlawfully received or perform community service, as determined by the court.

(d) Penalty -- Value less than $1,000. -- If the value of the money or goods involved is less than $ 1,000, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction:

   (1) is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both; and

   (2) shall make full restitution of the money or goods unlawfully received or perform community service, as determined by the court.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 88A, § 89; 2007, ch. 3, § 2.