7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial
Time:2024-06-03 18:42:39 Source:travelViews(143)
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.
Previous:Reality star Ashley Cain reveals physical agony of his 3,000
Next:RFK Jr. files complaint over rules for CNN's presidential debate next month
You may also like
- Give free passports to Britain's heroes: On the eve of D
- Troops set for 'on
- FTSE 100 chiefs claim they are hard
- Moving to the country? You need to think about the stink... and you'll be hard
- Three Maryland family members fatally shot, another wounded, suspect takes own life, police say
- Guangdong into playoffs semis, oust Zhejiang
- Miserable runs continue for Juve and Milan in stalemate
- Renowned Peruvian investigative reporter battles criminalized smear campaign — and cancer
- Tribal police officer among 2 killed, 4 wounded by gunfire at Phoenix