Abdihakim Ahmed created ASA Limited LLC, a site that received approximately $5 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Federal agents executed search warrants on more than a dozen properties connected to what FBI search warrants call an alleged pattern of deception, money laundering and fraud by a Minneapolis organization claiming to feed at-risk children. Mohamud ran the Stigma-Free Willmar site. We utilize the Child and Adult Care Food Program to increase healthy food access for Minnesotas youth and seniors., Before that, she worked as director of operations for Partners in Nutrition in St. Paul, which works to break down barriers to participation in the USDA Child and Care Food Program. ), ABC7 Chicago says farewell to Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Arrest warrant issued for top NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people, Elizabeth Holmes requests new trial; key witness 'expresses misgivings,' filing says, Scammers use Biden's student loan forgiveness program to steal information. Abdirahman Ahmed was an owner and operator of Safari Restaurant, a site that received more than $16 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. In the lawsuit, the department alleges that Feeding Our Futures auditor failed to file the audit properly, did not update its budget worksheet, has been slow to hire an accountant, that its applications was riddled with typos, and that it is investigating four complaints filed against the non-profit. Feeding Our Future received hundreds of millions of dollars from these two federal programs from 2019 through 2021 and passed the money down to hundreds of mostly immigrant-run nonprofits across the state, according to records from the Minnesota Department of Education. Bock said the $310,000 was for the purchase of a childcare center called The Learning Journey that she founded years ago but never got around to opening. Our team will meet your site on a regular basis to provide training and technical support. They purchase the food. 3055 Old Highway 8Suite 312Minneapolis, MN 55418. We want to hear from you. Senate passes Drivers Licenses for All, sending bill to governors desk to be signed into law, Hmong elders lead campaign for answers in St. Paul police killing of Yia Xiong, Governor Tim Walzs proposed rebates and tax increases evoke relief, anxiety among Minnesotans, Federal government gives $2M to plan land bridge above Interstate 94 in St. Paul, It brought purpose: Two friends start Fire Mountain Fabrics in between chemo sessions. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. An indictment is not an indication of guilt or innocence. Coupled that with the fact that it was the week of George Floyds murder. MDE did not respond to requests to comment for this story before press time. The WCCO Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on WCCO.com. Abdi Salah registered Stigma-Free International, a non-profit entity used to carry out the scheme with sites throughout Minnesota, including in Willmar, Mankato, St. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Between 2018 and 2021, Feeding Our Future accessed $244 million from two U.S. Department of Agriculture programs: the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program. I was not in a position to just go buy one, so I slowly acquired throughout the years the stuff that I would need. Instead, they prioritized their own greed, stealing more than a quarter of a billion dollars in federal funds to purchase luxury cars, houses, jewelry and coastal resort property abroad. Subscribe to our free newsletter! of Education. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir, 30, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Welcome to the official YouTube channel of KARE 11 News. Aimee Bock, executive director of Feeding Our Future, drafted a set of talking points for city officials to use during a May 14 meeting with Heather Mueller, commissioner of the Minnesota . We had no convenience stores. . And my conclusion is, the reason why they didnt care about the impact of that decision, is because the centers are run by immigrants and the beneficiaries of the food are also immigrants and poor people. We want to hear from you. Bock's attorney, Kenneth Udoibok, said the indictment "doesn't indicate guilt or innocence." These defendants exploited a program designed to provide nutritious food to needy children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools were shut down. Somali Bock. : The following people are named in the indictment United States v. Liban Yasin Alishire, et al. Three FBI search warrant affidavits, unsealed last month in federal court, allege that Bock participated in a wide scheme defrauding the federal government of millions of dollars earmarked for feeding underserved children. Aimee Bock (center in a white long sleeve shirt), executive director of Feeding Our Future, leaves the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis Tuesday evening with a garment draped over her head. When we moved in here, it was in dire need of repairs just to be functional again. Prosecutors say few meals were actually served. Types of Programs Served by FEEDING OUR FUTURE. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, as well as allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs, the news release says. The defendants, prosecutors said, set up a network of shell companies connected to the Minnesota-based nonprofit Feeding our Future, to exploit the federal child nutrition program, which is designed to provide meals to children from low-income families. Subscribe Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Authorities alleged the massive fraud scheme took at least $250 million from the federal child nutrition program money that was intended to help feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bock made her first appearance in court Tuesday afternoon, pleaded not guilty, and was released. Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 39, of Burnsville, Minnesota, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Bock told Sahan Journal during the interview that she hadnt seen the lawsuit yet and reiterated that she no longer owns the daycare business listed at the address. The USDAs Food and Nutrition Service administers the program throughout the nation by distributing federal funds to state governments. Salim Ahmed Said, 33, of Plymouth, Minnesota, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Why are we only looking at the profit margins of our small minority-owned businesses? Please reload the page and try again. Coupled that with the fact that it was the week of George Floyds murder. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. And what is that information? When MDE employees pressed Bock for clarification, Bock accused MDE of discrimination and unfairly scrutinizing Feeding Our Futures sites. The Associate Press contributed to this report. Its really hard.. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers and oversees the Federal Child Nutrition Program. pic.twitter.com/1Sf15oxAr9. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Education on Wednesday filed a claim seeking to recover more than $538,000 spent on defending the agency against a discrimination lawsuit brought by Aimee Bock, the former executive director of Feeding Our Future. I wish that the government had taken that into consideration when making this allegation. : Forty-eight people have now been charged in connection to the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme. A nonprofit newsroom dedicated to reporting for Minnesotas immigrants and communities of color. But both Bock and Udoibok said the circumstances of the Feeding Our Future federal investigation are unusual. Said was an owner and operator of Safari Restaurant, a site that received more than $16 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. The following defendants are named in the United States v. Aimee Marie Bock, et al. At the center of the investigation are claims about how the child nutrition program works and how the participants allegedly manipulated the money for their own purposes. Bock and Udoibok stopped short of alleging the FBI conducted a bad investigation, and instead argue that the probe is incomplete and that it was disclosed to the public too early in the process. Salim Ahmed Said, 33, of Plymouth, owner and operator of Safari Restaurant. We had to build out offices. Most of the time it is a for-profit organization like a grocery store or restaurant. To start, Bock calls this understanding of how the child nutrition program works a mischaracterization.. All of that had to be built up from the ground. Bock: That language in particular triggers me, because he is one of the hardest-working people I know. He has been a journalist for 15 years. Did you witness an incident that you think we should write about? Senate passes Drivers Licenses for All, sending bill to governors desk to be signed into law, Hmong elders lead campaign for answers in St. Paul police killing of Yia Xiong, Governor Tim Walzs proposed rebates and tax increases evoke relief, anxiety among Minnesotans, Federal government gives $2M to plan land bridge above Interstate 94 in St. Paul, It brought purpose: Two friends start Fire Mountain Fabrics in between chemo sessions. Aimee Marie Bock, 41, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery. She's also not allowed to have contact with anyone who was a victim, a witness or a co-defendant in the case. Did you witness an incident that you think we should write about? Because of that, my client is maligned, Udoibok said. I dont recall the date off the top of my head. The CACFP is the sister program to the Free and Reduced School Lunch Programandhas been providingmeals through a variety of programs since 1968. Shes met all her burden under the law. MDE not only violated federal regulations, it also violated (a previous) court order Even after being found in contempt of court, the MDE is continuing to take the position that it is above the law and the children in Minnesota do not deserve access to nutritious meals and snacks.. As a result of the raids last month, the FBI obtained accounting documents that Bock and Udoibok say will vindicate her and Feeding Our Future. We were growing in site numbers, we were growing in staff size. RELATED | Scammers use Biden's student loan forgiveness program to steal information. People under criminal investigation such as Bock are often reluctant to speak publicly. They bid on a job. Unlock our in-depth reporting by signing up for our free newsletter. Artan registered Stigma-Free International, a non-profit entity used to carry out the scheme with sites throughout Minnesota, including in Willmar, Mankato, St. Aimee Bock is the founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization in Minnesota that participated in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Instead of spending this money on feeding children, the search warrants allege nearly two dozen people defrauded the government and spent it on personal items like luxury cars, expensive real estate, and lavish trips. Litigation is ongoing and the non-profit said it would also protest in front of the MDE building in Roseville. Feeding Our Future received more than $18 million in administrative fees to which it was not entitled, the government says. Ever. She did that a minimum of once a month. Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 39, Burnsville, employee of Feeding Our Future. The search warrants also alleged that Bock used the money to write a $70,000 cashiers check to her ex-husband. Contact us atmembership@sahanjournal.com. Overall, federal prosecutors allege individuals stole more than $250 millionthe largest COVID pandemic fraud in the country. Last week, the always alert Lou Raguse of KARE-11 noticed that the state Department of Education (MDE) has renewed its $583,000 claim against the now-defunct nonprofit Feeding Our Future (Feeding, FOF). MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Forty-eight people have been charged in connection to a fraud scheme involving Feeding Our Future a scheme federal officials are calling the largest pandemic fraud in the country. Get news and stories that illuminate the lives and experiences of Minnesotas immigrants and communities of color. She . Instead, they prioritized their own greed, stealing more than a quarter of a billion dollars in federal funds to purchase luxury cars, houses, jewelry, and coastal resort property abroad.". He predicted that her court case could continue for a year. They specifically take issue with how federal authorities made the allegations against Bock and others public before making any criminal charges or indictments in the case. The program is operated in Minnesota through the Division of Nutrition, Health andYouth Developmentat the Minnesota Department of Education. Aimee has 7 jobs listed on their profile. Its been an expansive, ongoing multi-year project. Bocks LinkedIn page says she has a masters degree in educational leadership and administration from Argosy University in the Twin Cities and a bachelors degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Abdinasir Abshir ran the Stigma-Free Mankato site. Aimee Bock was the founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization that was a sponsor participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. According to sahanjournal.com, she founded Feeding Our Future II after receiving inquiries about working with potential food sites outside of Minnesota. MINNEAPOLIS -- The founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future was released from custody earlier this week after she surrendered her passport and agreed not to travel outside of Minnesota. Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock released from custody The founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future was released from custody earlier this week after she surrendered her passport . Aimee Bock arrives at the federal courthouse with her attorneys, Kenneth Udoibok and Nancy Hylden. Bock of course was charged this week for her role in bilking the Federal government out of hundreds of millions of dollars that should have gone to feeding hungry children during the pandemic of 2020-21. The search warrants alleged that Bock used some of the $310,000 money on personal purchases at HOM Furniture and an Eagan mall, and spent more than $15,000 at a car dealership. Bock oversaw the $240 million fraud scheme carried out by sites under Feeding Our Futures sponsorship. According to prosecutors, the defendants used the proceeds of the scheme to buy real estate in Minnesota, Kenya and Turkey, luxury cars, jewelry, to fund international travel, and more. Authorities alleged the massive fraud scheme took at least $250 million from the federal child nutrition program money that was intended to help feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online records show she lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. To read that all of my hard work is being twisted into something that its not is hard. The leaders of Stigma-Free Willmar pocketed more than $4 million. Feeding Our Future received $3.4 million in federal food-aid money in 2019, $43 million in 2020, and $198 million in 2021. So when I was approached about selling it, it was a relief. Abdirahman Mohamud Ahmed, 54, of Columbus, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. Baraanbur Mahadcelin ah Feeding Our Future MN Aimee Bock oo u Dagalantay Dadka laga tiro badan yahay I personally am passionate about making sure kids have the basic fundamentals of life, food. Udoibok said that after seizing scores of documents during last months multiple raids, the FBI now has all of the relevant information. indictment. In response, Bock sued the department in November 2020, alleging discrimination, saying the majority of her sites were based in immigrant communities. If youre buying doughnuts, that doesnt count. We owe our readers the truth. FEEDING OUR FUTURE has the following openings. Bock said the decision to hire her boyfriends company for the work came in a bidding process that saw three or four companies bid for the job. She was an MNCPD-approved trainer, a board member of Early Childhood Family Education and a substitute teacher. The 47 defendants are charged across six separate indictments and three criminal informations with charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering and bribery, the release says. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger on Tuesday announced charges against founder Aimee Bock and others that include conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. Judge John Guthmann of Ramsey County District Court ordered the department to pay $35,750 to Feeding Our Future and $11,750 in attorneys fees for failing to follow through on an earlier agreement, finding the department in contempt of court. The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Aimee Marie Bock, et al. 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