Executive Fiala Announces Details of Major Food Stamp Fraud Case
BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala announced this morning details of a major food stamp fraud case involving nearly 150 defendants.
In June, an investigation spearheaded by Broome County Security, resulted in the prosecution and conviction of Lillian and Alfred Bryan. Binghamton Police and New York State Police CNET assisted in the investigation.
The Town of Conklin couple owned Lilliana’s Italian-American Market on Edwards Street in Binghamton. The Bryan’s admitted they accepted food stamps but in many cases did not provide the customer any food. Instead they would pay the customer 50 cents on the dollar and thereby make a 50 cent profit on every electronic transaction. They are also accused of selling cigarettes, alcohol and lottery tickets in return for food stamps, which is illegal.
Today it was announced that almost 147 people who cashed in their food stamps at Lilliana’s would face prosecution. The 147 individuals have been issued appearance tickets and will begin appearing in city court beginning October 16th.
“It is so disappointing to see so many people take advantage of a system that was put in place to help those who cannot always help themselves,” said Executive Fiala. “I want to thank Broome Security and its law enforcement partners for all of the work they have done on this case. We must keep these programs helping the most vulnerable in our community. Those who try to cheat the system should take this as a warning that you can and will be caught.”
“During this investigation, it was extremely troubling to hear the stories of these individuals who improperly used their food stamps,” said Broome Security Director James Dadamio. “Many are substance abusers. It is my belief the owners of this store preyed on these types of individuals who in many cases were desperate.”(Some quotes from some of the defendants are listed an attached sheet.)
Misuse of food stamps is a violation of Social Service law, section 147, which is a Class A misdemeanor. The defendants will appear before a city court judge and face losing their food stamp benefits for a minimum of a year and in some cases permanently.
Other welfare fraud arrests announced today involve 14 people accused of taking nearly $21,000 in benefits for which they were not entitled. (These defendants along with the Lilliana defendants are listed on a separate sheet.)
If anyone in the community suspects food stamp or other welfare fraud, they are encouraged to contact Broome Security’s Case Integrity Unit at 607.778.2519. All tips will be kept confidential.
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