Two Boston men have been charged in federal court for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale food stamp fraud scheme involving nearly $7 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 24, of Hyde Park, were each charged with one count of food stamp fraud on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege the pair illegally trafficked SNAP benefits through retail stores they owned and operated in Boston.
Bonheur owned Jesula Variety Store, while Alisme operated Saul Mache Mixe Store. Both businesses were located in the same building at 1549 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan. Jesula Variety Store began accepting SNAP benefits in September 2021, and Saul Mache Mixe Mixe Store joined the program in May 2025.
Despite their small size and limited inventory, federal investigators reported that the stores showed unusually high SNAP redemption rates that far exceeded what would be expected from legitimate food sales. Jesula Variety Store alone reportedly redeemed more than $100,000 in SNAP benefits per month, with totals reaching as high as $500,000 during certain periods. By comparison, a nearby supermarket reportedly averaged about $82,000 in monthly redemptions.
Investigators also found irregular transaction patterns. More than 70 percent of SNAP purchases at the stores allegedly exceeded $95, while fewer than 10 percent were under $40—figures more typical of large supermarkets than small neighborhood shops.
During undercover operations, investigators allegedly observed SNAP benefits being exchanged for cash on multiple occasions at both stores. Prosecutors also claim the defendants sold liquor in exchange for food stamp benefits.
In addition, Bonheur and Alisme are accused of selling MannaPack meals, a charitable food product provided by the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children. The meals, intended for food-insecure children overseas, are not authorized for retail sale. Authorities allege the meals were sold for about $8 per package.
Prosecutors say the stores had minimal lawful revenue and relied heavily on SNAP redemptions for income. The defendants allegedly moved funds through multiple bank accounts and withdrew large amounts of cash to conceal the source of the money.
Bonheur and Alisme appeared in federal court following their arrests. If convicted, each faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000.
