The Hidden Truth Behind Minnesota's Biggest Fraud

A massive fraud scandal in Minnesota involved a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future. The person at the center of it all was Aimee Bock, a white woman who ran the organization. She was convicted of stealing millions of dollars meant to feed hungry kids during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bock claims she didn't know about the fraud. She said she was trying to help kids get food. But prosecutors say she knew exactly what was going on. They say she signed off on fake claims for meals that were never served. She also took bribes. The jury believed the prosecutors and found her guilty on all counts. She could spend up to 33 years in prison. Bock says she didn't live a lavish lifestyle. She says the money was in the nonprofit's bank account, not hers. She also says she tried to stop fraud when she saw it. But prosecutors say she was the mastermind of the whole scheme.The nonprofit grew very fast. In 2019, it claimed $3. 4 million in meal costs. In 2021, it claimed nearly $200 million. Bock says the increase was because of looser rules during the pandemic. She says she got approval from state officials for the claims. Bock also says state officials were slow to process applications from Somali-owned businesses. She sued the state, saying the scrutiny was discriminatory. The state settled the lawsuit and agreed to process applications faster. But years later, officials said they were afraid of bad publicity and legal trouble. The fraud scandal has caused tensions in Minnesota. Some people say the state didn't do enough to stop the fraud. Others say the Trump administration used the scandal to justify cracking down on immigration. But one thing is clear: a lot of money meant to feed hungry kids was stolen.