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:
2023 was a record year for wind installations as world ramps up clean energy, report saysBusiness boom: Record numbers of people are starting up new small businessesTexas inmate Melissa Lucio's death sentence should be overturned, judge saysDr. Martens stock plunges after dour US revenue outlookUS lawmakers relaunch Uyghur caucus — Radio Free AsiaUS lawmakers relaunch Uyghur caucus — Radio Free AsiaRory McIlroy debunks LIV Golf rumors. Greg Norman claims unanimous support during Masters tripFury as police barricade entrance to rightGeorgian police fire tear gas to break up protest against soFury as police barricade entrance to right
2.8111s , 6499.015625 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,Global Grasp news portal