The owner of a small Boston convenience store pleaded guilty on Mar. 30 to charges related to a multi-million-dollar fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to federal authorities.
The case highlights concerns about the misuse of public assistance programs and the importance of oversight in ensuring benefits reach those in need.
Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, admitted guilt to one count each of food stamp fraud and wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for July 8 before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani. As part of his plea agreement, Bonheur will forfeit nearly $400,000 seized during the investigation. He was originally arrested and charged in December 2025.
Bonheur owned Jesula Variety Store, a small business occupying approximately 150 square feet in Mattapan. Despite its limited size and inventory, prosecutors said monthly SNAP redemptions at the store ranged from $100,000 to $500,000—significantly higher than full-service supermarkets in the area that typically redeem around $82,000 per month in SNAP benefits. Transaction data showed that more than 70% of transactions exceeded $95, a pattern usually seen only at large supermarkets.
Investigators conducted undercover operations where they found Bonheur personally exchanging SNAP benefits for cash on four occasions and selling liquor for SNAP funds. The store also sold MannaPack meals—donated products meant exclusively for overseas humanitarian relief—for about $8 per package.
Authorities said Bonheur relied almost entirely on USDA-funded SNAP redemptions as income while concealing these proceeds through secondary bank accounts designed to make them appear legitimate. Despite receiving millions through his business’s SNAP redemptions each year, he also obtained personal SNAP benefits by making false statements regarding his income and assets when applying with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.
Both food stamp fraud over $5,000 and wire fraud carry potential sentences of up to 20 years’ imprisonment each as well as fines up to $250,000 per count; final sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and statutes governing criminal cases.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.”
Federal officials say this case demonstrates ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies—including USDA Office of Inspector General investigators—to combat fraudulent use of government assistance programs.