A Washington man has been arrested on fraud and identity theft charges after attempting to use a family member’s electronic benefits, said a press release from the sheriff’s office.

On July 18, the Beaufort County Department of Social Services fraud investigator reported Paul Anthony Cox, 49, of Cherry Road, had misrepresented his identity in trying to gain access to food and nutritional benefits, said the release.

On Aug. 11, Cox was arrested by sheriff’s office investigator Christina Dixon, after a joint investigation, the release said.

“We worked closely with the DSS fraud investigator that they have on staff there,” said Maj. Kenneth Watson, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.

Cox was charged with identity theft, illegal possession/use of food stamp card and food stamp fraud and was release on a $5,000 unsecured bond.