A Bulloch County woman accused of obtaining excess food stamps is asking a judge to allow her to participate in the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit’s Pretrial Diversion program to allow her an opportunity to pay back the overpayments and avoid criminal charges.
Tamika Jorden agreed to enter the Pretrial Diversion Program following accusations of Intentional Program violations of the Food Stamp Program, criminal acts under both federal and state law.
Inadvertent Household Errors vs. Intentional Program Violations
The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services distinguishes between an Inadvertent Household Error (IHE) and an Intentional Program Violation (IPV).
- IHE – can occur when a recipient unintentionally fails to report a required change or misunderstands program requirements, resulting in the household receiving more benefits than it was eligible to receive.
- IPV – involves deliberate action intended to obtain benefits to which the household is not entitled, such as intentionally providing false information, concealing information, or deliberately failing to report required circumstances.
Pretrial Diversion
The Pretrial Diversion program began in the Ogeechee Circuit in 2025 under the late District Attorney Robert Busbee. It gives eligible individuals, primarily non-violent first-time offenders, the chance to take responsibility for their actions and complete specific requirements. Participants who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction, giving them a second chance while reducing strain on the judicial system. Eligibility is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the District Attorney’s Office and is subject to approval by a superior court judge.
Jorden’s Pretrial Diversion
According to court documents, Jorden signed the Pretrial Diversion Consent Agreement drafted by the District Attorney’s Office on September 17. The document states that she “caused an overpayment of Food Stamps in the amount of $18,528 from March 2024 to February 2025.” As a condition of the pretrial diversion program, Jordan admitted that she received one or more overpayments and agreed to repay the State of Georgia in the amount of $18,528 by making monthly installments of $308.80.
Jorden also agreed to a mandatory disqualification from the Food Stamp program for herself for a period of twelve months even though, under the pretrial diversion program, she has not been found guilty of civil or criminal misrepresentation or fraud. The prohibition on Jorden does not apply to others in her household.
If Jorden fails to make payments as agreed, prosecutors can pursue prosecution for welfare fraud OR bring a contempt action.
The case has been assigned to Judge Michael Muldrew.
