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 PLOTThe 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. |
Independent UN experts say radical Saudi Arabia scholar held for years should be tried or releasedChild migration through Panama's dangerous Darien Gap is up 40%, UN report saysPakistan testGerman court convicts a man of murder over a fatal stabbing on a train last yearArnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena posts rare snap with mom Mildred for Mother's DayBayern gives contracts to trio of promising teenagersShopping complex fire inflicts tragedy on Vietnamese community in PolandFrom acting to the squared circle, Emmy winner Hauser is ready to rumble for Major League WrestlingMassive manhunt in France for prisonCan't face the crowds at Yosemite and Yellowstone? These eight lesser