Little Debbie Delivery Driver Accused Of Major PA Snack Scam

PITTSBURGH, PA —A West Virginia man is facing multiple charges in Washington County after being accused of creating a fraudulent scheme involving Little Debbie snack products.

James Powell, 39, currently is in a West Virginia jail awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

The investigation into Powell began after Stewart Snacks LLC, an independent distributor of Little Debbie snacks, reported suspected fraudulent business records and missing products and the sheriff's office in Jefferson County, Ohio.

The case subsequently was referred to the Washington Police Department after it was determined the crimes occurred in the city of Washington and South Strabane Township.

Authorities assert that while Powell was a distributor, he created fraudulent delivery invoices indicating that Little Debbie products were delivered to several retailers. Those deliveries never took place, police said.

Authorities also contend that employee signatures were forged on invoices to falsely verify that the merchandise had been received. The signatures permitted the invoices to be processed through the manufacturer's billing system.

The fraudulent invoices involved Shop N' Save, Giant Eagle and Walmart stores n Washington County.

What happened to all of the undelivered Little Debbie snacks? According to authorities, Powell sold them from his vehicle at flea markets.

As a result of scheme, Stewart Snacks was forced to reimburse the impacted retailers and the manufacturer for losses. Powell also received commission payments during the scheme for deliveries that never occurred.

The total restitution being sought is $17,167.97.

Powell is facing charges of forgery, theft by deception and two counts of theft by unlawful taking. Additional charges include deceptive or fraudulent business practices, tampering with records or identification, and deceptive or fraudulent business practices.