By: Richard L. Smith
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that a Lakewood couple has been charged in connection with a multi-year scheme to unlawfully collect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
According to investigators, Refael Busel, 43, and Rivka Busel, 39, improperly obtained more than $75,000 in SNAP benefits between September 2019 and August 2023 by underreporting their household income and failing to disclose earnings from multiple sources on applications and renewals.
The couple surrendered to authorities at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters on October 21, 2025.
They were processed and served with charges of Theft by Deception and Issuing a False Financial Statement.
Both were released on summons pending their first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer credited the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Board of Social Services for their coordinated efforts in the investigation.