Two small convenience-style shops located in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, are at the center of a federal investigation into an alleged multimillion-dollar food stamp fraud scheme.
Federal authorities announced Wednesday that the stores’ owners, Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park, were arrested and each charged with one count of food stamp fraud. Prosecutors allege the two men fraudulently obtained nearly $7 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the Mattapan-based businesses. Both defendants were scheduled to appear in federal court later the same day.
According to court documents, Jesula Variety Store occupied approximately 150 square feet, while Saul Mache Mixe Store measured about 500 square feet. Despite their small size and limited food inventory, investigators say the stores reported unusually high SNAP redemptions, ranging from $100,000 to as much as $500,000 per month. By comparison, a nearby full-service supermarket reportedly redeems about $82,000 per month in SNAP benefits.
Authorities say spending patterns at the stores raised immediate concerns. More than 70 percent of SNAP transactions exceeded $95, while only about 10 percent were under $40. Investigators note that such patterns are typical of large supermarkets, not small neighborhood shops.
Federal investigators also allege that undercover operations revealed SNAP benefits being illegally exchanged for cash at both locations. In each instance, authorities say the defendants themselves conducted the transactions while working at the registers. The stores were also allegedly observed accepting SNAP benefits in exchange for alcohol, which is prohibited under federal rules.
In addition, prosecutors allege the stores sold MannaPack meals donated by the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children. The meals, funded entirely through charitable donations and intended for children facing hunger overseas, are not authorized for retail sale. Investigators claim the meals were sold for approximately $8 per package.
According to the charging documents, the stores carried little legitimate food inventory and relied heavily on SNAP funds as their primary source of income. Authorities allege the defendants attempted to conceal the origin of the money by moving funds through multiple bank accounts to make the businesses appear legitimate.
If convicted, the defendants face potential sentences of up to five years in prison, along with supervised release and fines. Sentencing would be determined by a federal judge.
The case was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the Boston Police Department.
The allegations outlined in the charging documents are accusations only. Bonheur and Alisme are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
