Minnesota Nonprofit Leader Gets Nearly 42 Years in Prison for $250 Million Fraud

A federal judge sentenced Aimee Bock to nearly 42 years in prison on Thursday for her role in a $250 million fraud scheme involving a Minnesota nonprofit that claimed to feed children during the pandemic. Bock, 45, was the founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future. Prosecutors said she oversaw a network that submitted false claims for federal meal reimbursements.

Sentencing and Court Statements U.S.

District Judge Nancy Brasel called the case a “vortex of fraud” with Bock at the center. Bock told the court, “I understand I failed. ” The Justice Department described the scheme as the largest COVID-19 fraud case in the country. Authorities said the nonprofit paid out $243 million to businesses that pocketed most of the money and gave kickbacks to Bock.

On the same day, officials announced new fraud charges against 15 people tied to other state programs. The new cases involve nearly $90 million across seven Medicaid programs. One defendant, Fahima Mahamud, was accused of billing for services to people who did not make required copayments. 1 million for autism therapy that was not provided.

The fraud cases began under the Biden administration and continued into the current administration. President Donald Trump cited the Minnesota cases when he ordered a surge of federal agents to the Minneapolis area last winter. State auditors had received complaints about Feeding Our Future but often directed the group to monitor itself.

At least 65 people have been convicted in related food fraud cases.

““This case has changed our state forever.”