The State - News from July 5, 1988

A downtown Los Angeles grocery store owner has been arrested on suspicion of buying food stamps at cut rates, then turning them in to the federal government for cash. Los Angeles police said Tae Ahn, 28, and accomplices Carlos Qiron and Manuel Martinez would approach food stamp recipients at a local check-cashing business, usually on or near the first of the month when government checks are issued, and offer to buy vouchers for 60% of their face value. “We have a suspicion that they were dealing with people who used that money to turn around and buy drugs,” Lt. Paul Pesqueira said. Two officers investigated with Department of Agriculture agents.