98 Charged in Massive Minnesota Food Aid Fraud

U.S. federal prosecutors have charged 98 people for their alleged roles in a large-scale scheme to defraud a Minnesota food aid program. The charges follow a major investigation into the theft of millions of dollars from the state’s Child Nutrition Program. The funds were intended to provide food for low-income children during the COVID-19 pandemic. “More than 60 have pled guilty or been convicted. More to come,” the Justice Department stated. Officials say the suspects created fake sites and submitted false claims for reimbursement. They then used the stolen money to buy luxury cars, property, and other personal items. The investigation, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, is ongoing.