Boise Campos Market owner must repay $600K for illegally redeeming food stamp benefits
The owner of Campos Market in Boise, a grocery store, butcher shop and lunch counter on the Boise Bench, has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to settle a case involving illegally redeeming government food stamps.
Aaron Campos, 47, must pay $600,000 in restitution for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps, are a federal benefit program that provides food to low-income residents. The benefits may be used only for authorized food items and it is illegal to exchange food stamps for cash. Any use of SNAP benefits on noneligible items isunlawful.
According to court records, between Jan. 1, 2013, and August 10, 2016, employees of Campos Market, 413 N. Orchard St., would repeatedly permit the sale of ineligible items for SNAP benefits. Additionally, employees of Campos Market were accused of exchanging food stamps for cash.
Investigators with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP benefits, investigated the market.
This story was originally published December 1, 2020 at 4:45 PM.
