PHOENIX — Two businesses owners in Phoenix and Mesa are accused of defrauding the federal food stamps program of at least $250,000.
Arizona Department of Economic Security officials said Aamir Sheikh and Shahbano Sheikh are facing charges of fraudulent schemes and artifices, unlawful use of food stamps, money laundering, computer tampering, theft and related offenses.
Final charges will be determined by a state grand jury in conjunction with the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
Authorities said the suspects are accused of allowing non-eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program items to be purchased using SNAP benefits.
A multi-agency task force served search warrants at several locations throughout the Phoenix area early Wednesday that led to the arrests, which capped an eight-month investigation.
It's unclear if the two men are related or have lawyers.