Local party store owners accused in Bridge Card fraud scheme

DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) -  

The owners of three party stores in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights were arrested by federal agents, accused of scheming to defraud the Bridge Card program.

Agents searched eight party stores in the area as part of a two-day sweep.

According to one of the criminal complaint the owner of one of the stores let bridge card holders illegally cash out their accounts, buy booze, cigarettes and perfumes, among other illegal items.

Among the most serious offenders, according to the U.S. Attorney, are the owners of Baghdad Mini Mart on Warren in Dearborn. The complaint claims the owners defrauded the Bridge Card Program of an estimated 1.65-million dollars over a period of three years.

Bridge Cards are part of the food stamp initiative, which allows low-income families and individuals to purchase groceries.