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:
Jets trade defensive lineman John FranklinKatie Price's Mucky Mansion is surrounded by her huge car collectionBucks' Lillard has MRI, team awaiting results before deciding if he plays in Game 4 vs. PacersA look at recent events involving King Charles, Kate Middleton's healthAustralians Grace Kim and Hannah Green tied for lead in LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA ChampionshipEagles GM Howie Roseman is confident in his early3 children in minivan hurt when it rolled down hill, into baseball dugout wall in IllinoisLauren Goodger cuts a stylish figure as she joins her TOWIE coReds starter Hunter Greene limits Rangers to 1 hit over 7 scoreless innings. They hold on to win 8Panthers put more offensive playmakers around young QB Bryce Young in NFL draft
2.6946s , 6605.65625 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,International Intrigue news portal