Minnesota officials detected indications of significant fraud even prior to the onset of COVID.

In mid-2019, Minnesota authorities noticed early indications of a large-scale fraud that ultimately diverted over $1 billion in taxpayer funds. Former employees of the Minnesota Department of Education report that when these concerns arose, leaders of the charity Feeding Our Future pressured officials to halt their inquiries.

The scandal, which has resulted in 61 convictions, was initially associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Attorney General Merrick Garland described it as "the largest pandemic relief fraud scheme" in the U.S. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick stated that the perpetrators exploited the pandemic to execute an extensive scheme that misappropriated funds intended for children's nutrition.

However, state officials indicate that the fraudulent activity began months after Governor Tim Walz took office in 2019, long before the pandemic. Early reports show that Feeding Our Future billed the state for roughly $3.4 million, but by 2021, the claims had expanded dramatically. Investigators determined that the charity falsely reported providing 91 million meals, receiving nearly $250 million in federal aid, which was instead used for personal luxuries.

These funds were provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered in Minnesota through the Department of Education, with meals traditionally delivered to schools and daycare centers. Recent scrutiny has highlighted the states inability to detect and stop the fraud in its early stages. Some critics argue that pressure from Feeding Our Future, including within the Somali community, discouraged state officials from pursuing further investigation.

State employees reported tension with Aimee Bock, later convicted as the fraud's mastermind. She allegedly pressured workers to approve reimbursements without proper checks. Officials noticed that the reported meal counts were inconsistent and unrealistic. The onset of the pandemic accelerated the scheme, as safeguards were removed to ensure aid continued reaching those in need. When state employees questioned the claims or halted payments, the charity increased pressure and eventually filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination.

The civil case was dismissed after the FBI executed search warrants and publicized its investigation in early 2022. The investigation continued amid heightened racial tensions following George Floyds murder. Federal prosecutors subsequently charged 78 people in connection with the Feeding Our Future scandal, with 59 convictions to date, including Bock, who is awaiting sentencing. Bocks attorney plans to appeal, denying that she intimidated officials and suggesting the state bears responsibility for failing to detect the fraud.

Although Bock is White, most co-defendants are Somali, sparking criticism from former President Trump, who made inflammatory statements about the Somali community in Minnesota. Governor Walz condemned these remarks, emphasizing that the fraud was the work of a few individuals and not representative of the broader Somali population.

Meanwhile, House Republicans have initiated an investigation into the governor's management of the fraud cases. Walz maintains that his administration identified the fraud early and promptly reported it to federal authorities. Additional investigations into COVID-related fraud in Minnesota, involving housing and behavioral health services, have charged eight more individuals, most of whom are Somali, bringing the total to 87 people charged and 61 convicted. Federal sources confirm that investigations are ongoing and estimate the total stolen funds exceed $1 billion.

Author: Sophia Brooks