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 ballet to illuminate Dutch stadium
The National Ballet of China (NBC) is set to captivate audiences in the northern Dutch province of F2024-04-30Rural scenery in China's Gansu
Aerial photo taken on May 18, 2021 shows a view of Egou Scenic Area in Dangchang County, Longnan Cit2024-04-30Book on Value of Xi Jinping's Economic Thought Published
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-04-30Wild panda mother, cub spotted in southwest China
Photo shows giant panda mother and cub captured on March 5, 2022 by an infrared camera in Baoxing Co2024-04-30Nicaragua severs diplomatic relations with Ecuador after assault on Mexican embassy
Nicaragua on Saturday severed "all diplomatic relations" with Ecuador, following the assau2024-04-30Rural scenery in China's Gansu
Aerial photo taken on May 18, 2021 shows a view of Egou Scenic Area in Dangchang County, Longnan Cit2024-04-30
atest comment