“Leader of pandemic food fraud operation found guilty in Minnesota”
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A jury has convicted the alleged leader of a significant fraud scheme related to the pandemic in Minnesota. Aimee Bock, the founder of Feeding our Future, was found guilty on all charges for her involvement in a scam that federal prosecutors claim siphoned $250 million from a program designed to provide meals for children in need.
Bock, along with 69 others, was implicated in what prosecutors described as the largest fraud case involving COVID-19 relief programs in the nation. The trial, which commenced last month, also unveiled attempts to influence a juror and tamper with witnesses. Of the defendants, 37 have pleaded guilty, and five were previously convicted.
Co-defendant Salim Ahmed Said, the owner of the now-closed Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, was also convicted on various counts including conspiracy, wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering. Bock allegedly pocketed close to $2 million, while Said was accused of embezzling around $5 million. Both defendants asserted their innocence and testified during the trial.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ordered Bock and Said to be held without bail until their sentencing, the date of which is yet to be determined. Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Lisa Kirkpatrick, condemned the fraudulent activities, stating, “It was the largest COVID fraud scheme in the country, and what Bock and her co-defendants did was reprehensible.”
Bock’s defense attorney, Kenneth Udoibok, mentioned plans to appeal the verdict, citing concerns about the jury’s ability to thoroughly consider the extensive evidence presented during the six-week trial. Lead prosecutor Joe Thompson branded the scheme as “brazen and corrupt,” expressing hope that the verdict would mark a turning point in addressing fraud issues in Minnesota.
Governor Tim Walz expressed anger towards the criminals who exploited the system meant to provide food for children, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents. The authorities have so far recovered only a fraction of the stolen funds, and the potential sentences for Bock and Said remain uncertain.
The defendants are facing lengthy prison sentences as they are being prosecuted in multiple groups. In the first trial, there was an alleged incident where some defendants and their associates tried to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash. The juror promptly reported this to the police, leading to increased security measures and precautions for the trial. Despite these measures, there was a new development of witness tampering during the trial. A defendant set for trial in August approached a government witness who was supposed to testify against Bock and Said, and asked to meet in a courthouse bathroom. The witness declined and alerted his lawyer, who then informed the prosecutors. Subsequently, the defendant, Abdinasir Abshir, 32, of Lakeville, agreed to plead guilty to a wire fraud charge. His attempt at tampering with the witness would be taken into account in his sentencing recommendation, although it is not mandatory for the judge to follow.
