FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — Two Franklin County store owners are facing charges after an investigation determined that they were stealing SNAP benefits as part of a trafficking ring, the Office of State Inspector General announced today.
Marie Registe and Duckens Paul, owners of Manmanyo Mini Market/Haitian Caribbean Mini Market in Chambersburg, would allegedly trade customers items not covered under SNAP benefits for less than the value of the benefit.
SNAP trafficking occurs when SNAP benefits are illegally exchanged for cash, services or anything other than food, the OSIG said. For example, a store owner may give a SNAP recipient cash at a percentage of their balance in SNAP benefits, or exchange SNAP benefits for drugs or other non-allowable goods, such as cigarettes.
Registe and Paul stole $184,757.07 by using these methods, officials said.
"The dismantling of this SNAP trafficking ring underscores the Office of State Inspector General's unwavering commitment to preserving public trust in our assistance programs," said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. "Through diligent investigation, collaboration with local authorities, and tips from the public, OSIG remains vigilant in protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring that benefits reach those in genuine need. We urge the public to continue reporting any suspected fraud or abuse, as they play a critical role in upholding the integrity of our assistance systems."
The OSIG began investigating the mini market after receiving a tip from the public. From May 3, 2021, through Jan. 28, 2023, the office says Registe and Paul completed EBT transactions with dozens of welfare recipients by exchanging the welfare recipients’ EBT benefits for cash or non-food goods at approximately half the value of the benefit.
Officials say the store owners caused a threat to Pennsylvania’s public assistance system and deprived the intended recipients of their benefits.
Registe was charged with 11 felony counts, including SNAP trafficking, theft by deception, deceptive business practices, public assistance fraud, corrupt organizations and various related conspiracy charges. She can face up to 102 years of imprisonment and fines of $215,000.
Registe is also charged with felony public assistance fraud in the amount of $7,745.00. According to OSIG, she lied to the Franklin County Assistance Office by not reporting that she owned and operated Manmanyo Mini Market/Haitian Caribbean Mini Market and collected SNAP assistance.
Paul was charged with nine felony charges including SNAP trafficking, theft by deception, deceptive business practices, corrupt organizations and various related conspiracy charges. He can face up to 88 years of imprisonment and fines of $185,000.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact OSIG and reference the “Haitian Caribbean Mini Market” investigation. Anyone with concerns can also anonymously report suspected welfare fraud on the OSIG website or call the Welfare Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582.
