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
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
JERUSALEM (AP) — The helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreig2024-05-21- Rookie Croix Bethune was involved in both goals as the Washington Spirit defeated Gotham 2-0 on Satu2024-05-21
- MONTREAL (AP) — Iván Angulo scored in the second minute of second-half stoppage time to rally Orland2024-05-21
- Kyle Walker has slammed his ex-lover Lauryn Goodman's 'wild and untrue' claims after she said he tex2024-05-21
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s first Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was appointed as act2024-05-21Haiti violence: Haitians scramble to survive as gang violence chokes capital
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — As the sun sets, a burly man bellows into a megaphone while a curious c2024-05-21
atest comment