ST. PAUL, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A leaked 2021 audio recording is back in the spotlight.
The tape captures Attorney General Keith Ellison in a private meeting.
Some attendees were later convicted in the Feeding Our Future fraud case.
Federal prosecutors say the scheme stole about $250 million.
The money was meant for child nutrition programs.
What the recording includes
The recording is described as a December 2021 meeting.
Reports say it was an unused defense exhibit from Aimee Bock’s trial.
On the tape, speakers complain about state agencies.
They also discuss political support and campaign donations.
Ellison is heard saying he will look into their concerns.
FOX 9 reported the tape shows no ask for money by Ellison.
FOX 9 also said it shows no clear quid pro quo.
Read more: FOX 9 report on the meeting audio
More context: CBS Minnesota report on the leaked audio
Donations and responses
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported about $17,500 in donations within 10 days.
The money went to Keith Ellison and his son Jeremiah Ellison.
Jeremiah Ellison serves on the Minneapolis City Council.
The Star Tribune said some donors were in the meeting.
It said other donors were connected to the wider case.
Ellison has denied wrongdoing tied to the meeting.
His office told CBS Minnesota he met constituents in good faith.
The office said nothing happened because of the meeting.
KSTP reported Ellison later called the case much larger than he first thought.
Related: Star Tribune report on donations after the meeting
Related: KSTP report on Ellison’s response
Fraud case background
In March 2022, Ellison confirmed his office was investigating Feeding Our Future.
He also asked a court to oversee the nonprofit’s dissolution.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced major charges in September 2022.
The DOJ called it the nation’s largest COVID-era fraud scheme.
In March 2025, a federal jury convicted founder Aimee Bock on all counts.
Co-defendant Salim Said was also convicted, DOJ said.
Sentencing and appeals remain part of the court process.
More trials and pleas have continued in related cases.
Official releases: Minnesota AG press release (March 2022)
Official releases: DOJ charges announcement (Sept. 2022)
Official releases: DOJ verdict announcement (March 2025)
What happens next
Lawmakers have sought more details about the meeting and donations.
Some have called for added oversight of state grant programs.
Ellison says he did his job by listening and following up.
Further hearings could add more information.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.