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.
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
The Iron Claw review: The Big Daddy of wrestling movies
Labour concedes it could have done more to deal with disruptive state housing tenants
WWII bomb found in garden in UK city taken out to sea
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Serial mistress, 54, enjoys luxurious £5,000 trip to Costa Rica
Watch: Nicola Willis reveals economy has slipped further this year
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi drives wife Princess Beatrice and his son Wolfie and sister
College baseball notebook: Conference tournaments to decide NCAA automatic bids and many at
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Masterful meals: Pea and white truffle soup with Parmesan galettes