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 ALLEGED PLOTThe 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. |
Türkiye calls for greater defense cooperation with GermanyHealth issues nag Sixers, Clippers and Bucks as they try to erase 2Simbine upstages Coleman and Kerley to win 100Chiefs owner: Leaving Arrowhead is an option after rejected sales taxMontreal’s AnnJosh Naylor, Ramon Laureano help Guardians outlast Braves 4Bucks' Lillard has MRI, team awaiting results before deciding if he plays in Game 4 vs. PacersA strong magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes Indonesia's Java Island, felt in JakartaWorld's largest Peppa Pig outdoor theme park to open in ShanghaiPanthers put more offensive playmakers around young QB Bryce Young in NFL draft