Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Ahmed Alshami of Buffalo has been sentenced by Erie County Court Judge Michael Pietruszka to six months in jail and five years probation in a welfare fraud case. 

In April, the defendant pleaded guilty to Misuse of Food Stamps and Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree. 

The defendant is the owner/operator of IGA Express Mart, a corner deli located at 271 Ludington in the City of Buffalo.   

Between October 9, 2014 and March 21, 2016, the defendant admitted buying EBT (food stamp) cards from individuals willing to accept cash for them and typically paid half the amount of their worth.

The purchased food stamps would then be used to fund shopping trips, in which Alshami would purchase items to be sold in his store. 

DA Flynn commends the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Erie County Department of Social Services, New York State Police Special Investigations Unit Buffalo, under the direction of Major Robert C. Gregory and the Buffalo Police Department for their thorough investigative work. 

Assistant District Attorneys Gary M. Ertel and Robin J. Deubler of the DA’s Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau prosecuted the case.