Food stamp fraud suspect allegedly threatening witnesses

By Charles Sercombe
The investigation into alleged food stamp fraud has taken a twist.
According to a source who declined to identify himself for fear of reprisal, one of the market owners charged by federal authorities with illegally cashing in food stamp credits is now threatening witnesses.
“He’s acting really crazy,” said the source.
The market owner has reportedly broken windows at two houses where witnesses live.
The actions of the market owner have been reported to the Justice Department.
The Review could not reach anyone at the agency to comment on the matter.
The source asked The Review to write about the threats in order to encourage witnesses to not back down or be intimidated.
Last September federal agents raided six markets in Hamtramck and several others in Detroit and Warren. In Hamtramck, 11 market owners and employees were charged.
In all, federal authorities say the markets made $12.5 million in illegal food stamp transactions over several months while under investigation.
According to the source who called The Review, the market owner making threats to witnesses was the ringleader in the scam. The source said the owner would run food stamp cards at other markets where he was a silent partner. He also allegedly showed others how the scam worked.
According to federal authorities the markets would give cash back to food stamp card holders, but in exchange would demand at least half the amount of money to be given to them.
According to the Detroit branch of the Justice Department, trial dates are coming up, but in the meantime some of those charged are working out plea deals.