A local convenience store owner in Rochester, New York, has been sentenced to two years of supervised release for defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Zina Amba Mbile Mbile, aged 46, was found guilty of accepting food stamp benefits in exchange for non-food items and cash over a four-year period. The fraud resulted in an unauthorized deposit of $246,890 into his store's accounts. Mbile must now repay this amount to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Detailed Report on the SNAP Fraud Case

In a courtroom in Rochester, New York, during the crisp autumn season, a significant verdict was handed down against Zina Amba Mbile Mbile, proprietor of Beni Foods located on Dewey Avenue. Prosecutors revealed that between March 2020 and July 2024, Mbile engaged in fraudulent activities by allowing customers to use their SNAP benefits to purchase ineligible items such as cosmetic products. Additionally, he exchanged cash for these benefits, pocketing a profit in the process. This misconduct led to an impressive sum of $246,890 being unlawfully deposited into his business account, money intended for purchasing food that was never acquired. As part of his sentence, Mbile is required to make full restitution to the U.S. Department of Agriculture while serving a term of supervised release.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in business operations. It highlights how misuse of public assistance programs not only harms taxpayers but also undermines the trust placed in small business owners. For readers and journalists alike, it underscores the necessity of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding resources meant to support those in need. By enforcing strict penalties, authorities aim to deter similar offenses and preserve the integrity of vital social services.