Kern County -A 34-year-old man was arrested in South Bakersfield on January 2 as part of a sting operation aimed at cracking down on EBT fraud, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. Norbert Karaba faces multiple felony charges, including money laundering and identity theft.
The operation was carried out by investigators from the Kern County District Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Social Services EBT Fraud and Theft Detection Unit. Authorities monitored EBT activity in the Bakersfield area and discovered Karaba engaging in fraudulent ATM withdrawals. Upon his arrest, law enforcement seized 78 cloned EBT cards and $63,952 in cash.
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A report from the Department of Social Services in December 2024 revealed that more than $232,972 in EBT benefits had been stolen in Kern County. The District Attorney’s Office, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, is focused on dismantling organized skimming operations that exploit EBT resources intended for families in need.
District Attorney Zimmer emphasized, “A system meant to support families in need is being exploited by individuals driven by greed. This illegal activity not only undermines vital assistance programs but also harms vulnerable communities. Our office, in collaboration with our partner agencies, has made it a priority to dismantle these organized crime rings and protect those who rely on this crucial support.”
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