Glendale store is accused of food-stamp fraud

PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say a Glendale retailer is accused of defrauding a food-stamp program out of $2.3 million since 2010.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security said Wednesday that the case against Nicben African Caribbean Market Plus is being referred to a state grand jury.

DES officials say the market’s owners could be facing charges including fraud, money laundering and computer tampering.

Food stamps are administered through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The case against the market and its owners was built by a task force of state and federal officials over several months.

Authorities say the suspected fraud dates from 2010.

In addition to the allegations against the market and its owners, the task force is investigating 33 SNAP food-stamp recipients for possible fraud.