Franklin man pleads guilty to defrauding SNAP program of $1.6M, court documents show

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Franklin man has pled guilty to federal charges that he defrauded the government's SNAP food share program of $1.6 million dollars between 2021 through 2024.

Federal prosecutors say 47-year-old Nael Jabbar owned the Hot Spot supermarket which was on W. Atkinson Ave. and would exchange cash for SNAP benefits at a discounted rate. 

Court documents say he would charge the government for the full amount, and keep the difference, transferring it from his store's bank to his personal accounts.

Records show he spent the money on loans and card payments, but also on luxury shopping trips and the Unlimited Vacation Club -- a travel membership offering discounts and benefits at luxury resorts.

Now, Jabbar faces more than 20 years in prison and more than $250,000 dollars in fines.

He will appear in court next month on March 17.