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
Chinese, Cambodian martial artists make joint performance at famed Angkor
Cambodian Bokator martial artists perform at the northern part of Bayon Temple in the complex of the2024-04-30Total solar eclipse 2024: Spectators stake their spots along the totality path
MESQUITE, Texas (AP) — Eclipse spectators staked out their spots across three countries Sunday, ferv2024-04-30A Moroccan town protests water management plans
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Regional and local leaders in eastern Morocco met this week with residents and2024-04-30'Housekeeping for Beginners' review: Loves wins in this triumphant film
“Housekeeping for Beginners” begins with a shot of a painting on a wall hanging just a little askew.2024-04-30China to hold first space cooperation forum with LatAm, Caribbean countries
China will hold the first space cooperation forum with Latin American and the Caribbean countries du2024-04-30How do animals react during a total solar eclipse? Scientists plan to find out in April
WASHINGTON (AP) — When a total solar eclipse transforms day into night, will tortoises start acting2024-04-30
atest comment