Feeding Our Future $250 million fraud scheme: US Attorney reacts to verdict [RAW]

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul covers a press conference from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota announcing the conviction of defendants in what federal prosecutors describe as the largest COVID-19 fraud case in the country.

According to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick announced that Amy Bach allegedly masterminded a $250 million fraud scheme targeting the Feeding Our Future program during the pandemic. The video reports that after six weeks of trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on every count against Bach and codefendant Salem Ses. Kirkpatrick characterized the alleged scheme as taking advantage of a time of national crisis, stating that while many were helping their communities, Bach and Ses allegedly acted as “thieves” enriching themselves and criminal partners.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports that Chief Fraud Prosecutor Joe Thompson described the scope of the investigation, noting that authorities have indicted 70 defendants total in connection with the scheme. According to the video, Thompson outlined Bach’s central role, alleging she signed every fraudulent claim submitted to Minnesota, cut every check totaling $240 million to defendants, was involved in taking kickbacks, and led efforts to obstruct inquiries from the state Department of Education.

The video documents Thompson’s explanation of the evidence presented at trial. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports that board members of the nonprofit testified they were unaware of their positions until learning from media reports, and that forged signatures and fake board minutes were presented as evidence of the fraudulent operation. Thompson noted that both defendants testified at trial, and the jury apparently found them not credible.

According to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, federal prosecutors detailed the obstacles they overcame, including alleged attempted bribery of a juror in an earlier Feeding Our Future trial and alleged witness tampering during the current trial. The video reports that approximately $60 million has been recovered through civil forfeiture to date. Thompson stated that wire fraud counts each carry 20-year maximum sentences, with potential cumulative sentences in the hundreds of years, though sentencing guidelines would likely result in lower sentences.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul captures Thompson acknowledging that more than 30 defendants remain in the case, with additional trials scheduled in coming weeks. He indicated the investigation remains ongoing and more defendants may be charged. The video also documents that five defendants remain fugitives internationally, with prosecutors continuing efforts to bring them to justice.

In FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Own Words

“During COVID, while so many were trying to be helpers, Bach and Sed were thieves. They used a time of crisis as their golden opportunity to enrich themselves.”

“She signed every single fraudulent claim that was submitted to the state of Minnesota. She cut every single check, all $240 million worth.”

“The fact that there was fake board minutes, forged signatures, obviously that was emblematic of the entire case.”

This case represents a significant moment for Minnesota’s federal law enforcement and the state’s public reputation. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports prosecutors framing the verdict as potentially turning a page on what they described as a damaging chapter for a state historically known for good governance and low crime.