Ex-Seguin store owner pleads guilty to food stamps fraud

Aijaz Aslam, 55, faces up to 20 years in prison

SAN ANTONIO – The former owner of a Seguin store pleaded guilty Thursday to a scheme in which he illegally traded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for ineligible items.

Aijaz Aslam, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Primomo Thursday in San Antonio.

The former owner of J.M. Food Mart admitted to exchanging items such as alcohol and tobacco products to SNAP beneficiaries through their Lone Star Cards. 

The illegal activity went on for nearly four years, from November 2009 until May 2013.

Aslam also said he traded SNAP benefits for cash, charging the beneficiaries up to double the amount of cash received.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for March 2. If convicted, Aslam could face up to 20 years in prison.