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
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
PARIS (AP) — France’s sports minister has called for soccer club Monaco to be sanctioned after one o2024-05-21Questions and grief linger at the apartment door where a deputy killed a US airman
WASHINGTON (AP) — At the apartment door where a Florida deputy shot and killed Senior Airman Roger F2024-05-21Trump hush money trial: What to know about Michael Cohen's testimony
NEW YORK (AP) — Once Donald Trump’s loyal attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen pointed the finger at hi2024-05-21- MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Denver’s Jamal Murray scooped up Minnesota’s errant inbounds pass near the sideli2024-05-21
Candice Swanepoel stuns in a form
Candice Swanepoel looked incredible as she arrived at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival premiere2024-05-21A US museum curator was detained in Turkey on claims of spider smuggling. He says he has permits
ISTANBUL (AP) — A curator at the American Museum of Natural History was detained in Istanbul on Mond2024-05-21
atest comment