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:
Italian industrial heritage exhibition in Chongqing sparks cultural dialogueInside the China Online Audiovisual Annual GalaMuseums in rural China preserve culture as nation rapidly modernizesTerrifying map reveals route Iran's strike force of 100 kamikaze drones will take to hit IsraelFeature: Angolan youth embrace Chinese language learning for future careersFinland earns bronze on Nieminen's shootout goal in 3Spring Festival TV gala audience, viewership hit record highsWomen of She ethnic group dress up to welcome Lunar New Year in ZhejiangTaylor Swift looks lovedHis latest dish! James Martin, 51, is arm
2.6727s , 6516.2734375 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by 7 Minnesotans accused in massive scheme to defraud pandemic food program to stand trial ,Stellar Standpoint news portal