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:
De La Cruz powers Reds to 8NASA hears from Voyager 1, after months of quietClosing prices for crude oil, gold and other commoditiesUS health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injectionsJeep maker Stellantis to lay off an unspecified number of factory workers in the coming monthsBrits are told to 'go home' as antiJeep maker Stellantis to lay off an unspecified number of factory workers in the coming monthsAlabama lawmakers OK bill blocking state incentives to companies that voluntarily recognize unionsNBA says Tyrese Maxey was fouledNASA hears from Voyager 1, after months of quiet
3.0138s , 6501.1171875 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,Culture Circuit news portal