FLINT, Mich. – Three Flint business owners were charged Wednesday morning for using food assistance benefits to make purchases for their personal businesses.
According to a release, Genessee County Prosecutor charged Flint residents Paul Verdun, 63, Reginald Clements, 51, and Beverly Biggs-Leavy, 54, with fraud.
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Each has been charged with four counts of food stamps fraud totaling over $1000.
This charges carries a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, according to the release.
Investigators found Biggs-Leavy would pay EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Bridge card holders pennies on the dollar to be able to use their cards at various grocery stores in which she would buy food supplies for her catering business.
That investigation led to the discovery of fraud by Verdun and Clements who were illegally using EBT cards to purchase supplies for their businesses, Chip's Shrimp and Fish and Chip's Supper Club in Flint and Burton.
All three charged have been arraigned in 67th District Court in Genesee County and each were given personal recognizance bonds.
Pre-trials are set for this Friday at 8:30 a.m.