ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – A Rochester business owner pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud after causing a deposit of over $246,000 in fraudulent funds to Benu Food convenience store's bank account. According to officials, Zina Amba Mbile Mbile, age 45, operated the Beni Food convenience store on Dewey Avenue and accepted SNAP benefits from customers for non-food items, like cosmetic products, from March 1, 2020, to June 23, 2024. Mbile also exchanged cash for food stamp benefits. Businesses authorized to accept SNAP benefits can only do so for the sale of eligible food products. In total, Mbile fraudulently caused $246,890 to be deposited into Beni Food's bank accounts for food that was never purchased. Mbile pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud which carries a maximum penalty of 20-years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21.