7 Minnesotans accused in scheme to defraud pandemic food program go on trial

By STEVE KARNOWSKI
Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Seven Minnesotans have gone on trial for what prosecutors call a massive scheme to exploit lax rules during the COVID-19 pandemic and steal from a program meant to provide meals to low-income children. They are the first of 70 defendants to go on trial in what’s known as the Feeding Our Future investigation. Eighteen others have already pleaded guilty. Those who went on trial Monday are accused of collectively stealing over $40 million in what prosecutors say was a conspiracy that cost taxpayers $250 million. Authorities have called it one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in the country.