Manuel Venegas, SNAP Benefit Fraud, New Jersey 2023

NEWARK, N.J. – In a shocking case of food stamps abuse, Manuel Venegas, 54, of Newark, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a food stamps fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Venegas previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with one count of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud. Judge Vazquez imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Venegas was an employee of Jenny’s Deli, a small grocery store in Newark, New Jersey. His daughter, Maria Teresa Venegas, was the listed owner of Jenny’s Deli and pleaded guilty to the same crime in September 2018. She was sentenced on February 20, 2019, to two years in prison.

Jenny’s Deli was authorized to accept benefits provided by SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retail food stores approved for participation in SNAP may sell food in exchange for SNAP benefits but may not exchange SNAP benefits for cash.

According to the charges against them, Maria Teresa Venegas and Manuel Venegas exchanged more than $885,000 in SNAP benefits for cash between 2011 and 2018. This scheme involved exchanging SNAP benefits for cash in numerous transactions, with Venegas and his daughter using the cash for personal gain.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould represented the government in this case. U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Manuel Venegas to two years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $573,199. The case is a strong reminder of the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that those who abuse the system are held accountable.

As a result of this case, the public is reminded that food stamps are meant to assist those in need, not to be a source of personal gain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such schemes.

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