Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Food Stamp Fraud
A Los Angeles man with 17 prior violent felony convictions was sentenced Friday under California’s three-strikes law to 25 years to life in state prison for illegally trafficking in food stamps
Adrian Stephens, 43, who was arrested in May with more than $800 worth of food stamps in his possession, was convicted of one felony count of trafficking in food stamps and two misdemeanors of possessing marijuana and resisting arrest, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said.
Stephens’ previous felony convictions stemmed from robberies and attempted robberies, some involving firearms.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory W. Alarcon, who imposed the sentence, denied the defense’s request to strike Stephens’ prior convictions.
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