Two men operating adjacent micro-markets in Mattapan Square have been charged with federal SNAP fraud. The accused, Antonio Bonheur, 74, from Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, from Hyde Park, face serious legal consequences for their alleged illegal activities.
Operation Details
Both men ran shops on Blue Hill Avenue, with one market being just 150 square feet. Investigations revealed that despite offering limited SNAP-eligible foods, they accepted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and paid cash to customers.
Fraudulent Activities
Court documents indicate that they signed up to accept SNAP benefits while providing minimal eligible food items. Customers could use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, but Bonheur and Alisme reportedly offered cash for the card’s value, minus a fee. Additionally, Bonheur is accused of fraudulently applying for SNAP benefits, falsely claiming no income.
Financial Misconduct
Bonheur is alleged to have trafficked over $6 million in SNAP benefits since becoming eligible in September 2021. Alisme reportedly trafficked about $122,000. The investigation included surveillance footage and undercover operations that documented suspicious transactions and a lack of visible grocery purchases.
Investigation Findings
- The investigation showed that Bonheur operated from a minuscule space with inadequate checkout facilities.
- On one occasion, an undercover agent observed multiple customers with no food items after spending significant amounts on SNAP transactions.
- Further scrutiny revealed large transactions occurring at Bonheur’s shop without customers carrying groceries consistent with their spending.
Sale of Donated Food Products
Notably, the affidavit described the sale of MannaPack rice bags. Manufactured by the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children, these products are intended for donation to food-insecure nations and should never be sold in the U.S. Their illicit sale points to severe exploitation of donated food resources.
The findings present a troubling picture of fraud in Mattapan. The actions of these market owners highlight the need for stricter oversight of SNAP transactions. Community members and stakeholders are likely to demand accountability as investigations continue.
