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
Works from Fine Arts Exhibition of Chinese Women Artists
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-04-30Chinese yuan strengthens to 7.0947 against USD Monday
BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan,2024-04-30Xi Focus: Xi Steers Import Expo into Global Platform for Sharing Chinese Opportunities
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-04-30City Helps Women Find Jobs Near Home
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-04-30Biodiversity rebounds in Qinghai
SHI YU/CHINA DAILYProtection efforts, national parks lure wildlife back to western provinceA wide-ra2024-04-30Chinese men's team claims 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships title
(Xinhua) 09:54, February 19, 2024Members of team China pose for photos during the awarding ceremony2024-04-30
atest comment