Two Haitian Immigrants Charged in Massachusetts SNAP Fraud Case Involving Nearly $7 Million

By: Christopher Louissaint

Haitian prime news

December 22, 2025

Boston, Massachusetts — Federal authorities have charged two Haitian immigrants in connection with an alleged large-scale Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme that prosecutors say involved nearly $7 million in improperly redeemed benefits.

According to court documents unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the defendants are Antonio Bonheur, 74, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Haiti, and Saul Alisme, 21, a lawful permanent resident. Both are accused of operating a scheme in which SNAP benefits were exchanged for cash rather than eligible food items.

Prosecutors allege the fraud occurred at two small retail businesses in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston — Jesula Variety Store and Saul Maché Mixé Store — which reportedly operated from the same storefront. Despite carrying limited food inventory, the stores allegedly processed unusually high volumes of SNAP transactions over a period of approximately 20 months.

Investigators say undercover operations documented instances where customers received cash in exchange for SNAP card swipes, along with the sale of ineligible items, including alcohol. Authorities further allege that proceeds from the scheme were routed through multiple bank accounts to conceal the source of the funds.

Officials stated that the volume of SNAP redemptions at the stores far exceeded what would be expected for businesses of their size and type, prompting closer scrutiny by state and federal investigators. The case was ultimately referred for federal prosecution following an extended review of transaction data.

Each defendant has been charged with one count of food stamp fraud. If convicted, they face potential penalties including up to five years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000.

At the time of publication, both defendants are presumed innocent and have not entered pleas in the case. The matter remains pending before the federal court.