MINNESOTA ( trfnews.i234.me ) — A series of alleged fraud schemes has shaped Minnesota’s largest fraud crisis in recent history, with cases stretching back nearly a decade.
The allegations date to 2015. That year, some daycare centers were accused of overbilling Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program. Investigators later expanded their focus to other programs.
More recent cases involved Medicaid-funded disability services. One program helped seniors and people with disabilities find housing. The state shut it down earlier this year.
Officials cited what they described as large-scale fraud. Authorities said government funds were billed for services not provided.
Feeding Our Future case
One of the most high-profile cases involved the nonprofit Feeding Our Future. Prosecutors allege the group exploited a federal COVID-era child nutrition program.
The scheme allegedly involved about $250 million. Federal indictments were filed against more than 70 people.
Two leaders connected to the organization were found guilty at trial in March. At least one other defendant has pleaded guilty.
The Star Tribune reported the fraud cases share a common theme. Authorities say the government was billed for services never delivered.
Political reaction and controversy
The fraud cases have drawn national political attention. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly cited the cases in public remarks.
Trump has focused his criticism on Minnesota’s Somali population. Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, according to BBC News.
In November, Trump announced he was suspending Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants. He claimed Minnesota was a hub for money laundering.
At a Cabinet meeting in December, Trump made further comments attacking immigrants and Somalia. Those remarks drew sharp criticism from civil rights groups.
Other Republicans echoed similar themes. Vice President JD Vance said Saturday the cases reflect broader immigration fraud. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer blamed Democrats.
She specifically named Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota. Omar is Somali-American and has rejected the claims.
Governor responds
The controversy has also focused on Gov. Tim Walz. Trump and allies have blamed Walz for the fraud crisis.
Walz has said he has faced verbal harassment in public. He warned the rhetoric could escalate into violence.
State officials continue to investigate fraud cases. Prosecutors say more charges could follow.
As with all criminal matters, defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.