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.
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney is ON despite troubled fighter weighing 3.2lbs overweight
Dick Van Dyke earns historic Daytime Emmy nomination at...
Teyana Taylor, 33, breaks her silence on those rumours she is romancing her co
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
Eiza Gonzales is radiant in behind
Pasquantino, Melendez homer as Royals win 9
Invest In China: Multinationals embrace new opportunities created by China's green transition
Letter from China: Exploring the hustle and bustle of south China's border ports
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Sean Penn displays his platinum white hair as he takes a smoke break during Malibu outing