Camden Grocer Admits Role In Food Stamp Scheme

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man has admitted stealing more than $2.5 million through a food stamps scheme.

Thirty-four-year-old Alexander Vargas of Camden on Wednesday pleaded guilty to purchasing Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program benefits for approximately 50 cents on the dollar at the grocery store he managed in the city in 2012.

Authorities say Vargas exchanged food stamp benefits for cash at Eddies Grocery.

Vargas faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Under terms of a plea agreement, Vargas has agreed to a forfeiture judgment of nearly $3 million and to forfeit $22,273 seized from him when he was arrested.

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