HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- A Huntington convenience store that was the center of an illegal scheme to cash federal food stamps has been demolished.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin joined local officials Wednesday as the All-In-One store was torn down.

Goodwin describes the store as a longtime magnet for crime. Its owner, Abe Eloirzazi, pleaded guilty in September to defrauding the food stamp program. He faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing Monday.

Federal prosecutors required Eloirzazi to turn over the store to the city as a condition of his plea. Goodwin says eliminating such a criminal stronghold can fundamentally change the character of the neighborhood.