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.
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
The future of entertainment? Inside the world's first 'Hologram Zoo' in Australia
From fantastic fjords to the magical Northern Lights: Why Norway is a must
What it's REALLY like to au pair for the uber rich: 24
Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
Moment huge line of surfers ride the five
A brush with Van Gogh in picture
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
A trainspotter's fantasy! Inside the breathtaking hotel that overlooks Tokyo's main bullet