HOUSTON, July 24 (Reuters) - A Texas exporter of supplies for U.S. armed forces in the Middle East has been charged with fraud that cost the government nearly $2 million, a U.S. prosecutor announced on Tuesday.

Samir Mahmoud Itani of Houston, owner of American Grocers Inc., was named in 46-count indictment alleging false vouchers and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, said a news release issued by U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle.

The indictment alleges Itani, 47, claimed trucking costs his company did not incur between 2004 and 2006. One plot involved delivery of peanut butter, the news release said.

According to the indictment, Itani's company made more than $1.9 million in fraudulent profits as a result of various schemes.

If convicted, Itani could face 10 years in prison on each of two counts and five years in prison on the rest. Each of the counts carries a possible $250,000 fine upon conviction.

Itani could not be reached for comment.

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