Authorities announced that the Elizabeth convenience store owner accused of fraudulently collecting over $1 million in food stamps, pleaded guilty Tuesday.
According to officials, in October an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, led to charges against Charles Silva, owner of the Checkpoint Mini Mart, after cash was reportedly traded through fraudulent food stamp purchases made by undercover officers.
Silva pleaded guilty to a single count of theft of government funds under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to a criminal complaint, an undercover officer food stamps for cash on 17 separate occasions between August 2014 and September 2016. An alleged price list for the illegal exchange would be used during the fraudulent transaction.
Investigators uncovered $1,588,623 in SNAP transactions at the store within the investigation period.
Silva could face up to 10 years in prison, according to the plea agreement.