Related Federal Cases
Westlake Dad and Son Behind Decade-Long Food Stamp Scam
Two Westlake men have been sentenced to prison and ordered to repay $931,045 for their roles in a decade-long food stamp fraud scheme. Mahmoud Zayed, 61, and his son Ashraf Zayed, 41, operated Al-Manar Market, a convenience store in Cleveland, where they illicitly redeemed food stamps between 2001 and 2013.
The Zayeds’ scheme involved applying for a food stamp vendor license using a proxy application submitted by a relative, which failed to disclose Mahmoud Zayed’s prior state felony convictions related to food stamp fraud. This allowed them to continue participating in the program, despite being barred from future participation due to their convictions.
The Zayeds trafficked food stamp and SNAP benefits in exchange for ineligible non-food items, including cash, hookah tobacco, pipes and accessories, and calling cards. Their actions were in direct violation of the program’s rules and regulations.
As part of their sentence, Mahmoud Zayed was ordered to serve 30 months in prison, while his son Ashraf Zayed was sentenced to 37 months behind bars. Both men previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, food stamp fraud, and unlawful food stamp redemptions.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Miranda Dugi, following an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.
The sentencing of the Zayeds is a significant blow to those who seek to exploit the food stamp program for personal gain. Food stamp fraud is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of the program and hurts those who truly need its assistance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio will continue to vigilantly enforce the law and ensure that those who engage in food stamp fraud are held accountable for their actions.
According to court documents, the Zayeds’ scheme was uncovered after a thorough investigation by the Office of Inspector General. The case highlights the importance of vigilant oversight and enforcement in preventing food stamp fraud.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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