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Food Stamp Fraud: Deli Shop Worker Pleads Guilty
A shocking case of food stamp fraud has come to light in Buffalo, New York, with a local deli shop worker pleading guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in government benefits. Nasser Ali Ghanem, 34, of Buffalo, NY, admitted to participating in the operation of a deli shop known as Hollywood Nights Prime Shop on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo.
According to court documents, Ghanem purchased food stamp benefits from recipients for cash at less than their full value from October 2008 through January 2011. This scheme resulted in a staggering loss of $67,139.00 to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that Ghanem’s actions were a blatant disregard for the law and a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a food stamp recipient.
The plea was the culmination of a thorough investigation by Special Agents of the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of William G. Squires Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region.
Ghanem’s guilty plea comes with a serious price: the unauthorized acquisition of food stamp benefits carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Sentencing is scheduled for February 26, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Richard J. Arcara.
The people of Buffalo are left wondering how someone in a position of trust could engage in such a brazen scheme. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: food stamp fraud will not be tolerated in this city.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. has promised to continue to crack down on those who seek to exploit the system and line their pockets with taxpayer dollars.
RELATED: Baltimore SNAP Fraud: Shafiq Gets 46 Months
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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