Knoxville store shut down-2 arrested for organized retail crime-EBT fraud
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Sept 2 2018 A Knoxville convenience store was shut down until further notice on Wednesday after deputies uncovered what they said was a scheme involving EBT fraud, shoplifting and the receipt of stolen goods.
Officers with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Task Force served a search warrant at Al’s Market and Deli, 1006 University Avenue, and arrested owners Mohammed Jalal Issa and Rashad Srour on charges of felony theft, computer crimes and food stamp fraud.
Deputies also seized a variety of stolen goods, two guns, $2,000 in cash and a vehicle. The Knox County Health Department ordered the store closed until further notice.
An undercover KCSO officer said the suspects were encouraging people to use their EBT cards to buy items the suspects wanted from Kroger and other stores, which were then sold at the market. They gave cash to those who used their EBT cards.
The sheriff’s office says the owners would also place orders of certain items from stores for shoplifters to bring back for resale in the market.
Kroger representatives, the Tennessee Bureau of Revenue and the Tennessee Department of Human Services also assisted with the investigation.
WATE
