Boston, MA – December 19, 2025 – Federal authorities have charged two men of Haitian origin with orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, at two small stores in Mattapan. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat abuse in public assistance programs amid rising scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Antonio Bonheur, 74, and Saul Alisme, 21, face multiple counts related to food stamp fraud for their operations at Jesula Variety Store and Saul Mache Mixe Store, both located at 1549 Blue Hill Avenue. According to court documents unsealed this week, the duo allegedly redeemed more than $7 million in SNAP benefits through illicit means, far exceeding what their modest establishments could legitimately process.
Alleged Scheme Involves Cash Exchanges and Falsified Transactions
Investigators claim the fraud began at Jesula Variety Store in 2021, where over $6 million in SNAP redemptions were recorded. The newer Saul Mache Mixe Store, operational since May 2025, added another $136,000 to the tally. Monthly redemptions at the stores ranged from $300,000 to $540,000—figures deemed impossible given the shops’ limited inventory, which primarily consisted of staples like rice, beans, and pasta.
Undercover operations and surveillance footage revealed a pattern of customers using SNAP benefits to receive cash at a discounted rate, often departing with minimal or no food items. Prosecutors allege that Bonheur and Alisme facilitated these exchanges, effectively turning the stores into illegal cash-out points. Additionally, the men are accused of selling overseas aid packages intended for charitable distribution, and Bonheur is accused of falsely claiming personal SNAP benefits.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, Leah Foley, announced the charges on December 17, 2025, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable populations. “This scheme not only defrauds taxpayers but undermines the integrity of programs designed to help families in need,” Foley stated during a press conference. “We will continue to pursue those who exploit these systems for personal gain.”
Potential Penalties and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, Bonheur and Alisme could each face up to 20 years in federal prison, along with substantial fines and restitution orders. The charges include wire fraud, conspiracy, and misuse of government benefits, stemming from a joint investigation by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and federal law enforcement.
The probe remains active, with authorities indicating that additional charges or defendants could emerge as evidence is reviewed. Community leaders in Mattapan, a diverse neighborhood with a significant Haitian population, have expressed concern over the case’s potential to stigmatize immigrant-owned businesses, while anti-fraud advocates praise the crackdown.
