Antonio Bonheur, 74, a naturalized American of Haitian origin, and Saul Alisme, 21, a Haitian citizen and permanent US resident, were arrested in Boston by federal authorities.
The two owners of small bodegas in Mattapan, Boston, face federal charges for allegedly diverting nearly $7 million in food stamps intended for families in need. According to WBUR, they are accused of systematically exchanging cash for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits over several years.
Bonheur is alleged to have diverted $6.8 million in benefits since 2022, while Alisme is accused of diverting $122,000 since May of this year. Both face one count of food stamp fraud.
US Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley stated at a press conference that the two men operated small storefronts on Blue Hill Avenue with minimal food available.
“The only thing convenient about these stores was how easy it was to commit SNAP benefit fraud,” Foley said.
According to the complaint, the two businesses redeemed SNAP benefits at rates far above those charged by legitimate grocery stores. An undercover investigation earlier this year revealed the extent of the scheme.
“Observations made by the undercovers showed that it was just as easy for anyone with an EBT card to walk into either store and convert hundreds of dollars in SNAP benefits into cash,” Foley explained.
An Organized Conversion Scheme
The scheme involved EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cardholders exchanging their food benefits for cash at these businesses, with the merchants taking a commission.
According to federal prosecutors, an undercover officer exchanged $120 in food stamps for $100 in cash. Authorities also allege the men sold liquor for SNAP benefits, which is strictly prohibited as the benefits are intended only for food purchases. Troubling turn with the discovery that the owners were also selling MannaPacks, prepackaged meals intended for free distribution in food-insecure countries like Haiti and not authorized for retail sale, the US attorney’s office specified.
Oversight Failures
The case raises concerns about the program’s oversight. Foley alleged that one of the bodega owners had an EBT card in his own name and accused the state of failing to properly vet his benefits application, according to WBUR.
The SNAP program benefits 42 million people in the United States, including more than one million in Massachusetts. The state administers benefits through the EBT debit card program, a system designed to facilitate access to food assistance while preventing abuse.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey responded promptly to defend her administration’s actions.
In a statement and on social media, she said her office reported the fraudulent scheme to federal authorities last November.
“My administration reported this suspicious activity to the federal government for investigation and prosecution over a year ago,” Healey said. “As a former Attorney General and now Governor, I will always support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law for anyone who engages in fraud or abuse of a federal program or any program.”
The case comes amid tense political circumstances.
The Trump administration has requested that states provide data on food stamp recipients, including immigration status, as part of an investigation into fraud and abuse. In early December, the agriculture secretary threatened to withhold funds from states that do not comply.
At the press conference, Foley criticized states, including Massachusetts, for refusing to provide data for the Trump administration’s fraud investigation.
A spokesperson for Healey stated that the Mattapan fraud case is unrelated to the state’s decision not to share personal data with the administration.
“Massachusetts will continue to stand with the families of our state by not turning over their private information to President Trump and ICE,” the statement said.
Political Dispute Amid Benefit Reductions
The food stamp fraud charges coincide with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reduce SNAP benefits, which Massachusetts and other states have challenged.
In October, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s demand for states to provide data. Massachusetts is a party to that lawsuit and to a separate suit regarding efforts to remove food stamps from some green card holders.
The Mattapan case highlights the complexity of debates over assistance programs. It demonstrates the reality of fraud that costs the system millions, while also raising concerns that fraud investigations may be used to justify broader measures affecting immigrant communities and legitimate recipients.
Bonheur’s defense attorney declined to comment. Alisme’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Both men are required to appear in federal court to answer the charges. If convicted, they face prison sentences and substantial fines.
This case underscores the challenges authorities face in balancing access to social assistance for those in need with the prevention of abuse in a system that distributes billions of dollars annually. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight and the need to strengthen controls without stigmatizing immigrant communities that rely on these programs.
