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:
NZ public service job cuts: what we know so farBrazil’s federal tax revenue totals BRL 215.6 bi in OctoberHuman Rights Commission advises caution over boot campsPetrobras to install 11 new preThe week in politics: Targets, truants and MPs' pay pickleIndebtedness affects 76.6% of Brazilian familiesIsraeli troops recover slain Gaza hostage, Egypt to host new truce talksFather's incredible journey through three continents to escape China's zeroOfficials advise softer is better when it comes to boot campsMan accused of North Shore kidnapping named; other suspect still sought
2.8124s , 6498.9453125 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,Worldly Wonders news portal