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.
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Hollyoaks star Theo Graham is the latest actor to leave the soap amid massive cast cull
Tesla's Cybertruck disaster: Insider reveals 'serious safety issues' behind scenes of EV rollout
Reuters photographer wins World Press Photo of the Year with poignant shot from Gaza
Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise
Dallas Stars clinch top seed in Western Conference by getting to overtime against Blues
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Can PM climb this electoral mountain?
Reuters photographer wins World Press Photo of the Year with poignant shot from Gaza
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Cost of privately renting homes rises by more than 9% in a year
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Potential and sound growth of real estate sector stressed