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.
Related articles:
Related suggestion:
Members of Chinese Olympic delegation arrive in TokyoPrehistoric reptile fossil found in China's Three Gorges areaXi Meets Burundian PresidentXi Orders AllChinese President Xi Declares 31st World University Games Open195 mln trips made through China's railways from Sep 27 to Oct 8Kids' tour to Harbin becomes online hitUEFA Europa League: GNK Dinamo Zagreb and Wolfsberger ACGerman chancellor arrives in Chongqing to start China visitXinjiang's ski resorts draw growing crowds
3.9772s , 6496.40625 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,Earthly Echo news portal