BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Judge Andrew B. Kendall sent a strong message to accused EBT thieves in Kern County: Not here.
The judge refused to dismiss a money laundering charge against Norbert Karaba — the man accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of EBT funds from Kern County residents.
New investigation reports reveal the Romanian man was living in Northridge since November 2024. Karaba was arrested for a second time for EBT theft out of Kern County at a house alongside Giorgio Marcelo and Nicolae Bud.
Skimming Scheme: The Romanian crime ring stealing EBT benefits in Kern County
The owner of the house told investigators Karaba was paying him $6,000 a month rent — paid all cash in $20 bills…