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
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
WASHINGTON (AP) — Exploring the cosmos makes for happy employees, federal workers like to work from2024-05-21Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras breaks left forearm when hit by J.D. Martinez's bat
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras broke his left forearm when he was hit by a swi2024-05-21Migrant camps spring up in gentrifying neighborhood with a Soho House and caviar
A Mexico City neighborhood, whose economy has flourished with lavish restaurants and immersive shopp2024-05-21China, Indonesia to wrap up both Thomas & Uber Cup Finals
China and Indonesia split all four tickets for both Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals after their men2024-05-21Target 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 inf2024-05-21Tourism festival spurs consumption in Shanghai
Cultural and tourism consumption boomed during the three-week Shanghai Tourism Festival, with the ci2024-05-21
atest comment