A recent federal case in Boston highlights the serious legal consequences associated with allegations of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. According to federal prosecutors, Antonio Bonheur, a 74-year-old immigrant from Haiti, has agreed to plead guilty to charges stemming from a multi-million-dollar benefit fraud scheme involving a small retail shop in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston. The case centers on allegations that Bonheur processed millions of dollars in fraudulent SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions through a convenience store he operated.
Prosecutors allege that between February 2021 and December 2025, Bonheur processed at least $6.7 million in SNAP benefits through fraudulent transactions at the Jesula Variety Store, a storefront measuring roughly 150 square feet. According to charging documents, SNAP recipients allegedly used their EBT cards at the store to exchange benefits for cash rather than purchasing eligible food items. Federal authorities claim that Bonheur would process the full value of the benefits through the store’s point-of-sale system and then return only a portion of the funds in cash to the recipient, keeping the difference.
As part of the plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Bonheur has agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of unauthorized use, transfer, or possession of SNAP benefits. The charges carry significant penalties. Wire fraud alone can result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with supervised release, substantial fines, restitution, and forfeiture. The SNAP trafficking charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years. Federal prosecutors have indicated they may recommend a sentence at the low end of the applicable sentencing guidelines.
The investigation also uncovered unusual patterns in the store’s SNAP redemption activity. Federal authorities noted that the value of benefits redeemed at the store rose dramatically in a short period of time, increasing from just a few thousand dollars per month to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These spikes in transaction volume are often a key factor that triggers federal scrutiny of retailers participating in government assistance programs. A second individual connected to a nearby storefront has also been charged in connection with a smaller amount of alleged SNAP trafficking, and that case remains pending.
For individuals facing allegations of benefit fraud, this case underscores how aggressively federal authorities investigate and prosecute suspected SNAP trafficking schemes. These cases often involve detailed financial analysis, electronic transaction records, and lengthy investigations. Anyone charged with benefit fraud should understand that these cases can carry severe criminal penalties as well as potential immigration consequences. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney can be a critical first step in understanding the charges, evaluating possible defenses, and protecting one’s legal rights throughout the process.
At Dhar Law, LLP, we can immediately get to work on your case if you have been charged with federal benefit fraud, and begin building a well-structured defense to protect and defend your rights. If you or someone you know has been indicted on federal benefit charges, contact our team to discuss strategy.
