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.
Haiti's crisis rises to the forefront of elections in neighboring Dominican Republic
Kaley Cuoco poses up with her steamy Based On A True Story leading man Tom Bateman at star
Emily Blunt looks sensational in a white vegetable
Solomon Islands PM Sogavare commands largest bloc in Parliament after election — Radio Free Asia
Who is Robert Fico's wife? Meet the Slovakian Prime Minister's spouse Svetlana Ficova
80s sitcom queen Delta Burke admits to secret crystal meth battle
Villagers in Mexico organize to take back their water as drought, avocados dry up lakes and rivers
Vick Hope wows in a plunging white swimsuit and flashes her leg in a thigh
Olivares, Gonzales homer to lead Pirates to 5
Shawn Mendes, 25, REUNITES with chiropractor pal Dr. Jocelyne Miranda, 52, for morning walk in LA
Experts say coral reef bleaching near record level globally because of 'crazy' ocean heat
Five Rohingya found dead after Arakan Army arrest — Radio Free Asia