James Hunter Jr., WIC Fraud, Pennsylvania 2015

Erie, PA - James Hunter Jr., the owner of Melo's Stop N Shops, has been charged with WIC fraud and theft of government property.

A federal grand jury in Erie has indicted Hunter on two counts of theft of government property and WIC fraud. According to the indictment, from July 2012 to June 2015, Hunter accepted food stamps and WIC checks for cash or ineligible items such as cigarettes.

As the owner and operator of Melo's Stop N Shops, Hunter allegedly committed WIC fraud by accepting food stamps and WIC checks for cash or ineligible items. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both.

Hunter, 37, of Erie, Pennsylvania, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. An indictment is an accusation.

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 the Erie Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The case against Hunter is currently ongoing, and no sentencing date has been set. However, if convicted, Hunter faces a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/erie-convenience-store-owner-charged-fraud