"Between February 2021 and December 2025, Bonheur exchanged SNAP benefits issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for cash and ineligible items, according to the charging documents. The transactions were processed through the store's point-of-sale terminal, resulting in deposits into bank accounts Bonheur designated to receive SNAP redemption payments."
"Monthly redemptions rose from $6,467 in October 2023 to $157,937 by March 2024 and reached a peak of $540,870 in August 2024. Throughout 2025, monthly redemptions remained above $200,000, with a high of $358,472 in October."
"Investigators conducting undercover operations at JVS observed SNAP benefits being exchanged for cash on multiple occasions, according to charging documents. They also said the store sold liquor in exchange for the benefits, which is prohibited under program rules."
Antonio Bonheur, a 74-year-old Mattapan store owner, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and unauthorized use of SNAP benefits. Operating Jesula Variety Store, Bonheur systematically exchanged food assistance benefits for cash and prohibited items including liquor from February 2021 through December 2025. Monthly SNAP redemptions at the store escalated dramatically, rising from $6,467 in October 2023 to peaks exceeding $540,000 by August 2024. Undercover investigators documented multiple fraudulent transactions processed through the store's point-of-sale system, with deposits directed to Bonheur's designated bank accounts. The scheme involved at least $6.7 million in fraudulent electronic benefit transfer transactions.
#snap-fraud #food-assistance-benefits-trafficking #wire-fraud #federal-prosecution #retail-fraud-scheme
Read at Boston.com
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