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
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
Jessica Biel unveiled a dramatic hair transformation - from chest-length locks to a short bob - on S2024-05-21China Calls for More Efforts to Protect Revolutionary Cultural Relics
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21Nursery Teacher Shares How Early Childhood Education Has Changed in NW China's Xinjiang
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21China Acts Swiftly to Contain COVID
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil coach Dorival Júnior has replaced injured goalkeeper Ederson with Sao P2024-05-21Farms a Hive of Activity Across China
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21
atest comment