Cape businessman pleads guilty to food-stamp fraud

Cape Girardeau businessman Patrick Buck, 45, pleaded guilty Monday to four counts of food-stamp fraud in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau.

As part of the plea agreement, the government agreed to drop a fifth count of food-stamp fraud against Buck.

Judge Ronnie White scheduled a sentencing hearing for 11 a.m. Aug. 15.

Buck faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum $40,000 fine.

Assistant federal prosecutor Anthony Franks said the parties agreed on restitution, although that was not in the plea document Monday.

Franks said he would file a motion requesting $550,000 in restitution.

The government stated in the indictment Buck illegally redeemed more than $800,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, better known as food stamps, between 2010 and 2014.

The four counts of food-stamp fraud began May 2012 and continued to August 2013. In each case, the B&H Convenience store Buck owned at 1021 Bloomfield St. in Cape Girardeau received more than $200 in food-stamp benefits in exchange for a cash payment that was a fraction of what the benefits were worth.

In one instance, B&H exchanged a carton of cigarettes, an item not approved under food-stamp rules.

Franks said Monday each of these transactions was videotaped by a confidential witness.

Buck also admitted he understood how the food-stamp program worked, there were guidelines to follow to participate in the program, and he knew the transactions were illegal.

White said sentencing guidelines will be established in the case. If Buck’s sentence falls within those guidelines, barring exemptions for which Buck may qualify, neither Buck nor the government could appeal the decision.

Buck also would give up the right to file a petition objecting to his sentence.

Buck’s attorney, John Schneider, requested Buck be placed under home confinement so he can receive credit for time served before sentencing.

White said he would wait to make any such decision until sentencing.

Buck was out on bond Monday.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: 599 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo