The Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General and the Dauphin County District Attorney charged two store operators and 58 SNAP recipients in a scheme that used rogue EBT terminals to steal more than $61,000 in benefits at 2200 North 6th Street in Harrisburg, with the alleged operation continuing under a rebranded business and prompting coordinated state and local prosecutions.
The state says the fraud was centered at a store doing business as Antonios Grocery IV LLC and later operating under a new name after a remodel. Authorities allege the operation used deceptive payment processing to convert SNAP benefits into cash and to replenish store inventory without proper retail approval.
Investigators describe the setup as rogue electronic benefit transfer terminals tied to legitimate retailer identifiers. A rogue EBT terminal uses the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) number of a legitimate, approved retailer, but it is operated by an unapproved retailer to fraudulently process SNAP transactions. That technique lets an unauthorized shop appear to the system as a compliant seller while siphoning benefits.
After a full remodel and rebrand in early 2025, the business allegedly continued the same pattern under the name M&D Grocery Store. Records show M&D Grocery Store was registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State on February 25, 2025. Prosecutors say the rebrand was part of an effort to hide the ongoing scheme from regulators and law enforcement.
“This investigation pulled back the curtain on a fraud operation that revealed store operators engaged in a sophisticated scheme to steal taxpayer dollars,” said State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry. “Thanks to the dedicated investigators, this criminal operation was shut down. Pennsylvania’s public benefits exist to put food on the table for families who need them. We will protect that mission.”
Miguel Guzman, identified as the operator of Antonios Grocery IV LLC, faces counts including SNAP trafficking, access device fraud, theft by deception, and identity theft. Marilenis Rodriguez Almonte is charged with the same offenses in connection with the rebranded store. Authorities allege both individuals played central roles in orchestrating fraudulent transactions tied to recipients’ benefits.
Investigators say Guzman used recipients’ EBT cards at national retailers including Walmart and Sam’s Club to buy stock for the store. In total, 58 SNAP recipients were charged with access device fraud, conspiracy, and related offenses in the case. If convicted, defendants could face incarceration, restitution to reimburse taxpayers, fines, and disqualification from the SNAP program.
The state framed the arrests as part of wider efforts to protect the SNAP program and taxpayer funds across Pennsylvania. Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, the Administration reports it has prevented over $206 million worth of public benefits being distributed to those not entitled to assistance. Officials also say charges have been filed against 1,751 defendants for a combined total theft of $11.4 million in SNAP funds.
The investigation was led by the Office of State Inspector General in close coordination with the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and with assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. “SNAP trafficking schemes like this one steal from taxpayers while exploiting the very people these programs are designed to protect,” said Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo. “This investigation is a testament to what interagency collaboration can accomplish. My office is committed to prosecuting these cases fully, and we are proud to stand alongside OSIG in sending a clear message that Dauphin County will not tolerate the abuse of public assistance programs.”
All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case will move through the judicial process where evidence and arguments will determine outcomes for each defendant.
