ROCHESTER BUSINESS OWNER PLEADS GUILTY TO FOOD STAMP FRAUD

Zina Amba Mbile Mbile, 45, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, announced U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. Mbile, who operated Beni Food convenience store, accepted SNAP benefits in exchange for non-food items like cosmetics and cash, defrauding $246,890 from the program. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The investigation was led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Homeland Security Investigations, and Monroe County Department of Human Services. Sentencing is set for May 21, 2025