7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Opening statements are expected Monday in the fraud trial of seven people charged in what federal prosecutors have called a massive scheme to exploit lax rules during the COVID-19 pandemic and steal from a program meant to provide meals to children in Minnesota.
The seven will be the first of 70 defendants to go on trial in the alleged scam. Eighteen others have already pleaded guilty.
Prosecutors have said the seven collectively stole over $40 million in a conspiracy that cost taxpayers $250 million — one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in the country. Federal authorities say they have recovered about $50 million.
Prosecutors say just a fraction of the money went to feed low-income kids, and that the rest was spent on luxury cars, jewelry, travel and property.
THE ALLEGED PLOT
The food aid came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was administered by the state Department of Education. Nonprofits and other partners under the program were supposed to serve meals to kids.
Related articles
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one shar2024-05-21- CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed forward Lukas Reichel to a two-year contract.Th2024-05-21
Body of last missing victim recovered from Baltimore Key Bridge collapse site
BALTIMORE (AP) — The body of the last missing construction worker killed in the collapse of Baltimor2024-05-21Louisiana lawmakers reject adding exceptions of rape and incest to abortion ban
Despite pleas from Democrats and gut-wrenching testimony from doctors and rape survivors, a GOP-cont2024-05-21Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Target plans to cut prices on thousands of consumer basics this summer, from diapers to milk, as inf2024-05-21Connecticut House passes plan to spend remaining COVID funds, forgoing changes to state budget
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Facing a Dec. 31 deadline, the Connecticut House of Representatives approved2024-05-21
atest comment