U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
Owner Of Buffalo Deli Pleads Guilty To Food Stamp Fraud
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Samir Hassan, 35, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who is handling the case, stated that Hassan was the owner and operator of City Market & Deli and City Market in Buffalo. Between November 1, 2010 and August 31, 2012, the defendant directed his employees to purchase food stamp benefits for less than their full value in exchange for cash from eligible beneficiaries.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William Squires.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
Updated October 8, 2015
Component