BUFFALO – A 57-year-old Jamestown man pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal food stamp program out of more than $170,000 on Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Federal authorities said, Joseph M. Gullotti, Owner/Operator of Fresh Cut Meats and More, at 631 Newland Avenue, accepted food stamp benefits to pay for merchandise purchased on credit by a beneficiary including ineligible items.
Examples of ineligible items includes cigarettes, alcohol, and hot prepared food.
Prosecutors said Gulloti operated fraudulently for nearly two years; between January 2015 and March 2017.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and fines totaling $250,000.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jamestown Police Department.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Wolford.