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 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:
Related suggestion:
Moment Harry chuckles as he's asked 'are you happy to be home' during whistleEU reaches a tentative deal on Ukraine aid coming from profits of frozen Russian assetsDemocrats commit $7 million to TV ads in five key state Senate racesTrucker acquitted in deadly crash asks for license back, but state says he contributed to accidentWith inflation soaring, Argentina will start printing 10,000 peso notesNorth Carolina may join other states in codifying antisemitism definitionThe Rev. Al Sharpton calls for justice in eulogy for Ohio man who died last month in police custodyTeoscar Hernández hits 2Footage shows Fox Theatre balcony bouncing as excited fans dance at Gunna's Atlanta concertVERY awkward moment Met Gala staffer suffers embarrassing tumble on the red carpet
2.5643s , 6574.96875 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,Worldly Winds news portal