Two Pittsburgh convenience store employees are facing federal charges in an alleged food stamp trafficking scheme.
Federal prosecutors have charged 55-year-old Abdou Jallow and 39-year-old Alicia Mastrantoni in connection with an alleged scheme involving SNAP, or food stamp, benefits.
Investigators say the pair exchanged food stamp benefits for cash at a Pittsburgh convenience store, allowing some customers to use the money to purchase illegal drugs.
Authorities allege the transactions were concealed through fraudulent cash register entries and resulted in more than $550,000 in improperly exchanged benefits.
Authorities say the alleged scheme exploited a program designed to help families in need.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for Western Pennsylvania.
