Boston, December 19, 2025
In Boston’s Mattapan Square, two men, Antonio Bonheur and Saul Alisme, were arrested on federal charges of food stamp fraud involving over $6 million. They allegedly exchanged SNAP benefits for cash and sold humanitarian food aid meant for starving children. Their small stores displayed suspiciously high SNAP redemption volumes, prompting a federal investigation. The case underscores the broader implications of fraud in public assistance programs and its impact on those in need.
Boston
Two men operating micro-markets in Boston’s Mattapan Square were arrested on federal charges this week, accused of a multifaceted scheme involving over $6 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud and the illicit sale of humanitarian food aid intended for starving children across the globe. Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park, were taken into custody on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, each facing one count of food stamp fraud.
The arrests stem from allegations that their small, neighboring establishments—Bonheur’s Jesula Variety Store, occupying approximately 150 square feet, and Alisme’s Saul Mache Mixe Store, about 500 square feet, both sharing a single storefront on Blue Hill Avenue—were involved in exchanging SNAP benefits for cash and even alcohol. Federal prosecutors indicated that these modest stores registered extraordinarily high SNAP redemption volumes, at times reaching up to $500,000 per month, an amount significantly surpassing the average monthly redemption of a full-service Boston supermarket, which typically stands at $82,000. Investigation revealed transactional anomalies, with over 70% of SNAP purchases exceeding $95, a pattern inconsistent with typical corner store operations. Undercover operations reportedly confirmed these fraudulent exchanges, with agents exchanging SNAP benefits for cash, including for liquor sales, handled personally by both defendants.
Diversion of Humanitarian Aid
Beyond the SNAP fraud, the federal charges also encompass the alleged sale of “MannaPack” meals, a specially formulated food product from the non-profit organization Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). These meals, funded entirely by charitable donations, are designed to provide essential nutrients to malnourished children and are strictly intended for humanitarian relief and overseas distribution, never for retail sale. Investigators allege the defendants sold these MannaPack meals for approximately $8 per package, diverting resources meant for the world’s most vulnerable.
The Nature of the Charges and Broader Implications
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a Nationwide program, is designed to provide food benefits to low-income families, enabling them to afford nutritious food essential for health and well-being. Fraud within this system undermines its core purpose, diverting taxpayer money from those in genuine need. Similarly, the diversion of humanitarian food aid, such as the MannaPack meals, represents a profound betrayal of charitable intent, diminishing efforts to combat global hunger and support populations in crisis, a challenge faced by organizations worldwide.
Each charge of food stamp fraud carries significant potential penalties under federal law, including up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are determined by federal judges in accordance with U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes. The investigation into these activities involved multiple federal agencies, highlighting the seriousness with which such abuses of public assistance programs and humanitarian efforts are regarded. As these legal proceedings commence, the events in Mattapan Square serve as a stark reminder of the fragile trust that underpins systems of aid, and the quiet, enduring suffering that occurs when that trust is breached.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What federal charges were brought against the two men in Mattapan Square?
- The two men, Antonio Bonheur and Saul Alisme, were arrested on federal charges of food stamp fraud and selling rice diverted from programs trying to feed starving children in other countries.
- Who are the individuals arrested?
- Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park, were arrested.
- When did the arrests occur?
- The arrests occurred on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
- Where did the alleged fraudulent activities take place?
- The alleged activities took place at two neighboring micro-markets in Mattapan Square, Boston: Jesula Variety Store and Saul Mache Mixe Store, both on Blue Hill Avenue.
- What was the alleged amount of SNAP fraud?
- The men are accused of orchestrating a scheme involving over $6 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. Some sources also mention $7 million.
- What kind of humanitarian aid was allegedly sold?
- The men allegedly sold “MannaPack” meals from the non-profit organization Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), which are donated food packs intended for humanitarian relief and overseas distribution to malnourished children.
- What are the potential penalties for food stamp fraud?
- Each charge of food stamp fraud carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Key Features of the Alleged Fraud Case
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Defendants | Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan; Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park. | Local |
| Location of Businesses | Neighboring micro-markets (Jesula Variety Store, Saul Mache Mixe Store) on Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan Square, Boston. | Local |
| Charges | One count of federal food stamp fraud each. | Federal |
| Alleged SNAP Fraud Amount | Over $6 million (some reports state $7 million). | Federal |
| Method of SNAP Fraud | Exchanging SNAP benefits for cash and alcohol; unusually high SNAP redemption volumes for small stores. | Federal |
| Diverted Aid Product | “MannaPack” meals from Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). | International Aid (Diversion) |
| Intended Use of MannaPack Meals | Humanitarian relief for malnourished children overseas, funded by charity, never for retail sale. | International Aid |
| Potential Penalties | Up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine per count. | Federal |
| Nature of SNAP | Nationwide program providing food benefits to low-income families. | Nationwide |
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