Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts announced Wednesday that two Haitian nationals have been charged in connection with a massive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme involving nearly $7 million in stolen food stamp benefits. The charges were unveiled during a press conference by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, marking one of the largest SNAP fraud cases in the region in recent years.
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Authorities arrested Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park, in connection with the alleged scheme. Bonheur is a naturalized U.S. citizen, while Alisme is a lawful permanent resident. Both men face one federal count of food stamp fraud, stemming from accusations that they illegally trafficked SNAP benefits in exchange for cash, pocketing the proceeds.
According to court documents, Bonheur owned and operated Jesula Variety Store, a small 150-square-foot retail space, while Alisme owned and operated Saul Mache Mixe Store, a 500-square-foot shop. Despite being separate businesses, both stores operated out of a single shared storefront at 1549 Blue Hill Avenue in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood. Jesula Variety Store was authorized to accept SNAP benefits in September 2021, while Saul Mache Mixe Store received authorization in May 2025.
Investigators allege that the volume of SNAP redemptions at both locations was wildly inconsistent with their size, inventory, and legitimate food sales. Jesula Variety Store reportedly redeemed more than $6.8 million in SNAP benefits since 2022, with monthly redemptions frequently ranging between $100,000 and $500,000. Saul Mache Mixe Store allegedly redeemed approximately $122,000 in benefits in a much shorter time frame. Prosecutors also claim the defendants used multiple bank accounts to deposit, move, and withdraw funds in ways designed to conceal the origin of the proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned the alleged conduct, calling it a blatant abuse of a critical safety net program. “There is no plausible way SNAP-eligible food could have been purchased from these stores at the levels reported,” Foley said, adding that the fraud was “shocking and glaring.” The defendants were arrested on December 17, 2025, and were scheduled to appear for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Boston. The investigation remains ongoing, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and the FBI.[/read]