Newark federal judge hands down 24-month prison sentence to Union County man for orchestrating massive SNAP benefits scheme.
Charles Silva, 33, of Hillside, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for his role in a brazen food stamp scam that netted over $1.1 million in stolen benefits.
According to court documents, Silva, the owner of Checkpoint Mini Mart, a small convenience store in Elizabeth, New Jersey, systematically allowed SNAP recipients to redeem their benefits for cash rather than food, then laundered the proceeds through a business account.
Between June 2015 and May 2016, Checkpoint Mini Mart received over $1.1 million in SNAP benefits, which Silva then transferred to a personal account to fund his own expenses.
Silva’s scheme was brought to light through a joint investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the USDA Office of Inspector General.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman commended the special agents of the USDA Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins in New York, for their tireless efforts in uncovering the scam.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Stanley R. Chesler ordered Silva to serve three years of supervised release, forfeit $370,000 in stolen funds, and pay $990,000 in restitution.
Silva was represented by defense counsel John P. McGovern, Esq., of Newark.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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