Erie, Pennsylvania-based market owner Bader Al-Dhumani, 56, has pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud, a crime that has left many in the community outraged.
According to court documents, Al-Dhumani, the owner and operator of Palm Tree Market in Erie, accepted food stamps for cash, store credit, and ineligible items from in and around January 2015 to in and around April 2020.
Furthermore, Al-Dhumani took possession of customers’ PA Access Cards, which allowed him to use their food stamp benefits at other stores to purchase inventory for his market.
The United States Attorney, Cindy K. Chung, announced the guilty plea and stated that the court was advised of the defendant’s actions in connection with the plea.
Bader Al-Dhumani pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, who scheduled sentencing for April 20, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.
The law provides for a total sentence of twenty years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Al-Dhumani on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Al-Dhumani.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring that recipients of government benefits are held accountable for their actions.
Defendant Name: Bader Al-Dhumani
Exact Criminal Charges: One count of food stamp fraud
City and State: Erie, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: January 2015 to April 2020 (crime date)
Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled for sentencing on April 20, 2022
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 (potential fine)
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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