Ocean County Couple Charged With Illegally Receiving Food Stamps
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 8:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
LAKEWOOD, NJ.- Last Thursday, following an investigation, a Lakewood, New Jersey, couple was formally charged in connection with illegally obtaining over $75,000 in food stamp assistance during a four-year period.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Refael Busel, 43, and Rivka Busel, 39, both of Lakewood, New Jersey, were each charged with Theft by Deception; and Issuing a False Statement. On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after learning of the charges being filed, the Busels surrendered to Detectives at the Lakewood Township Police Department, where they were processed on the charges and released pending future court proceedings in Ocean County Superior Court.
Busels Illegal Obtained SNAP Benefits
The charges stem from an investigation that was conducted by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad. During the investigation, Investigators uncovered that from September 2019 through August 2023, Refael Busel and Rivka Busel obtained in excess of $75,000 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to which they were not entitled.
Further investigation uncovered that in order to illegally obtain the assistance, the Busels inaccurately reported their household income by not including the income they received from multiple sources in their application and renewals.
Prosecutor Billhimer commended the investigative work of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, the Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Board of Social Services, which led to the arrests of the Busels.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
