Market Co-Owner Arrested in Buying of Food Stamps
U.S. Department of Agriculture investigators and city police arrested the co-owner of a market Friday on suspicion of purchasing food stamps at less than face value from undercover agents.
Amparo Morfin Diaz, co-owner of La Imperial Ranch Market, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking in food stamps, a federal offense that is a felony.
Purchasing food stamps at a discount would allow a merchant to pocket the difference when they are redeemed for face value by the federal government.
“This was not a particularly sophisticated operation,” said David F. Dickson, western regional inspector general for the Department of Agriculture.
Dickson said that Agriculture department agents initially succeeded in using food stamps to purchase non-food items--which is prohibited by law--at Diaz’s market in the 200 block of South Bradford Avenue. Later, the woman allegedly purchased food stamps for less than face value from the agents.
If convicted of the federal charge, Diaz faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Department of Agriculture also plans to seek revocation of the store’s license to accept food stamps, Dickson said.
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