Related Federal Cases
Three Indicted for $780,000 Food Stamp Heist in Cleveland
Three men were indicted for their alleged roles in a decade-long conspiracy to defraud the food stamp and Women, Infants and Children programs out of more than $780,000 in Cleveland.
According to the indictment, Ahmad (“Tony”) Damra, 31, of Macedonia, his brother, Mahmoud (“Moe”) Damrah, 26, of Cleveland, and Mohammad D. Mohammad, 41, of Strongsville, used their store, East 143rd Food Market, to exchange customer food stamps and WIC coupons for cash and other unauthorized items, including beer and cigarettes.
The investigation revealed that the defendants and others used their business to purchase customer food stamp cards and use them at other grocery locations to purchase inventory for the market and for their own personal use.
The indictment charges that between 2002 and 2011, the defendants and others conspired to commit over $780,000 in food stamp and WIC program fraud through the use of the East 143rd Food Market, located at 3249 East 143rd Street in Cleveland.
Mohammad owned, operated and managed the store, obtaining a food stamp license in 1997, which remained in effect through 2004. He then obtained a food stamp license for the market using the business Rashiqa, Inc., listing his mother as president to conceal his ownership.
The indictment was presented to the Grand Jury by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christos N. Georgalis, Vasile Katsaros, and James Morford after an investigation by agents of the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General-Investigations.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including their prior criminal record, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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