Minnesota Nonprofit Director Gets 41 Years in $250 Million Pandemic Fraud Case

Aimee Bock, the 45-year-old executive director of Feeding Our Future, was sentenced to 41 years in federal prison on Thursday for her role in a $250 million fraud scheme that targeted a federal child nutrition program. Judge Nancy Brasel, an appointee of President Donald Trump, handed down the 500-month sentence and ordered Bock to repay nearly $243 million to the federal government.

The punishment is the longest imposed among the 78 defendants charged in the case.

Bock ran the Minnesota nonprofit that approved millions of dollars in fraudulent reimbursement claims for meals supposedly served to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization sponsored dozens of sham catering companies that submitted false claims for federal funds.

Prosecutors said the scheme stole approximately $250 million from a program meant to feed disadvantaged children. Many of the distribution sites recruited by Feeding Our Future never actually served any meals.

A jury convicted Bock last year on seven counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. Prosecutors had recommended a 50-year sentence, while the defense requested time served or no more than 37 months.

“This is a vortex of fraud, and you were at the epicenter.”

Brasel determined the total loss was around $243 million after rejecting Bock's lower estimate. The judge said Bock acted as a gatekeeper and played an integral role in planning the scheme.

Statements from Court Assistant U.S.

Attorney Rebecca Kline said Bock orchestrated the fraud and benefited from praise within the Somali community. Prosecutors also cited accusations that Bock leaked protected documents while in custody. Bock told the court she felt horrible and understood she failed to protect the program.

Her attorney described the crime as a case of gross negligence and said Bock intended to help the community. Dozens of other defendants have been convicted in connection with the same scheme.