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Westlake Father and Son Sentenced to Prison for Decade-Long Food Stamp Fraud
Two Westlake men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a decade-long food stamp fraud scheme that netted them over $931,000. Mahmoud Zayed, 61, and his son Ashraf Zayed, 41, were sentenced to 30 months and 37 months in prison, respectively, for their involvement in the scheme.
According to court documents, the Zayeds fraudulently applied for a food stamp vendor license for their convenience store, Al-Manar Market, located on West 117 Street in Cleveland. Mahmoud Zayed had prior state felony convictions related to food stamp fraud, but he and his co-conspirators hid this fact from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by means of a proxy food stamp application submitted by a relative of the Zayeds.
The application claimed that Mahmoud Zayed’s relative was the owner of Al-Manar Market but neglected to state that Mahmoud Zayed would be involved in the operations of the market. The application also failed to state that Mahmoud Zayed had prior criminal convictions for food stamp trafficking, which would have barred him from future participation in the food stamp and SNAP programs.
The Zayeds improperly trafficked food stamp and SNAP benefits in exchange for ineligible non-food items such as cash, hookah tobacco, pipes and accessories, and calling cards, in violation of the program’s rules and regulations. This took place between 2001 and 2013, according to court documents.
As a result of their scheme, the Zayeds were ordered to repay $931,045. 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 scheme was uncovered after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. The Zayeds’ scheme was a brazen attempt to defraud the system and line their pockets with cash.
The sentencing of the Zayeds is a significant blow to those who would seek to exploit the food stamp program for personal gain. It serves as a reminder that those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable for their actions.
The case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in government programs. It also underscores the need for vigilance in detecting and preventing fraud.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: Mahmoud Zayed and Ashraf Zayed
- Criminal charges: Conspiracy to defraud the United States, food stamp fraud, and unlawful food stamp redemptions
- City and state: Westlake, Ohio
- Exact date: Not specified
- Sentence or outcome: Mahmoud Zayed – 30 months in prison, Ashraf Zayed – 37 months in prison
- Dollar amounts: $931,045
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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