⏱ 2 min read
A 74-year-old Boston store owner has admitted to running a multi-million-dollar SNAP fraud scheme out of his small convenience store in the Mattapan neighborhood. Antonio Bonheur, the owner of Jesula Variety Store, pleaded guilty to one count of food stamp fraud and one count of wire fraud after an investigation revealed his store was redeeming unusually high amounts of SNAP benefits, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per month. The scheme, which lasted for an unknown amount of time, was uncovered in December 2025, and Bonheur was arrested and charged. He will face sentencing on July 8, 2026.
According to the charging documents, Jesula Variety Store, which occupies only 150 square feet, was redeeming SNAP benefits at a rate far exceeding that of full-service supermarkets in the area. In fact, one nearby supermarket redeems approximately $82,000 in SNAP benefits per month, a fraction of what Bonheur’s store was bringing in. The investigation also found that only about 10% of SNAP transactions at the store were for amounts under $40, while over 70% were for larger amounts.
Bonheur’s scheme involved selling liquor and emergency food supplies intended for food-insecure children overseas, in addition to the fraudulent SNAP redemptions. As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit nearly $400,000 in proceeds from the scheme that were seized during the investigation.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of SNAP fraud in the United States, which can have serious consequences for both the individuals involved and the communities they serve. Bonheur’s sentencing will be a significant step in holding him accountable for his actions and preventing similar schemes in the future.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
