2 Local Men Accused Of Defrauding Food Stamp Program
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two Philadelphia men have been indicted for allegedly defrauding the national food stamp program of more than $1 million.
Mary Crawley is in charge of the government and Health Care Fraud division at the US attorney's office. She says Abdoulaye Diallo, owner of Brothers Food Market in Germantown, and Lassana Nianghane, bought electronic food stamp benefits for cash.
"The indictment charges that Mr. Nianghane would act as the initial contact for food stamp beneficiaries who wanted to sell their benefits for cash, which is illegal."
She says Niaghane would contact Diallo with the card and pin number, and if the recipient wanted $100, they would charge the government $200 and keep the difference.
Crawley says if convicted, the two men could face a substantial prison term and a fine of up to $1.8 million plus restitution.
