Seizures in probe could total $92K

HUNTINGTON -- Investigators look to seize more than $92,500 in cash and boxes upon boxes of paperwork as they gather evidence against two Fairfield West convenience stores accused of defrauding the nation's food stamp program of more than $420,000 combined.

The evidence is being collected and analyzed as part of a joint federal-city investigation targeting Huntington Mart at 1117 Hal Greer Blvd. and The ALLINONE Store, formerly Sunoco, at 1954 9th Ave. Officials at both stores are accused of exchanging food stamp benefits for cash and/or ineligible items but pocketing part of the food stamp benefits.

Federal authorities expected to seize more than $80,000 from the bank account of former Huntington Mart owner Ibrahim Osman Owayda. An additional $12,534 cash was taken from ALLINONE and the Barboursville-area residence of its owner, Abderahamane Eloirzazi, according to affidavits and property returns filed in U.S. District Court.

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