EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An Illinois man has been ordered to repay $1.2 million stolen through a SNAP benefits fraud scheme.
A federal judge ordered Almahde H. Nijmeh, 65, of Swansea, to restitution and a prison sentence of five years. He was also ordered to two year of supervised release.
The federal government funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide food benefits to low-income families.
According to court documents, Nijmeh had been disqualified from the program in the past, but he regained admittance into the program by reapplying and using names of various family members.
Court documents indicate that Nijmeh used the East Side Meat Market in East St. Louis to accept SNAP cards loaded with benefits in exchange for cash and other ineligible items from August 2017 through November 2021.
Nijmeh had reportedly put the property and the SNAP license in the names of other family members, even though he was considered the de facto owner and operator of the business.
“Millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits to provide nutritious food for their families, but individuals who misuse the program to commit fraud and enrich themselves are breaking federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to investigating individuals who commit financial fraud and attempt to profit from government programs like SNAP,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City. “This sentencing confirms HSI’s commitment to bringing these individuals to justice.”
Court documents revealed that Nijmeh and employees under his direction routinely purchased SNAP cards from customers in exchange for cash equal to 50% or less of the benefits. They also accepted SNAP benefits for ineligible items like alcohol and tobacco products, sometimes upcharging customers for the illegal transactions. In total, the scheme acquired $1,239,546.79.
Prior to his sentence, Nijmeh pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful acquisition of SNAP benefits in August 2023.
