Overview
- Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park, were arrested Dec. 17 and each charged with one count of food stamp fraud.
- Prosecutors allege the co-located Mattapan stores—Jesula Variety Store (about 150 square feet) and Saul Mache Mixe Store (about 500 square feet)—redeemed $100,000 to $500,000 in SNAP funds per month, exceeding nearby supermarket levels.
- Undercover agents report exchanging SNAP benefits for cash at both stores and observed liquor-for-benefits transactions, with donated MannaPack meals allegedly sold for about $8 per package.
- Charging documents cite anomalous patterns—over 70% of transactions above $95—and surveillance showing customers leaving with little or no food after large SNAP charges.
- The U.S. Attorney faulted state oversight, while Gov. Maura Healey’s office says DTA alerted USDA to suspicious activity on Nov. 1, 2024; each defendant faces up to five years in prison if convicted.