MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Department of Justice has charged 47 people in Minnesota in what prosecutors have called a $250 million scheme to defraud a federal meals program.
Prosecutors said just a fraction of the money went toward feeding kids, with the rest laundered through shell companies and spent on property, luxury cars and travel.
Here’s a look at how the alleged scheme worked, according to court documents:
ROOTS OF THE ALLEGED SCHEME
The defendants are accused of targeting federal child nutrition programs that provide free meals to low-income children and adults. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with oversight from state governments. In Minnesota, the funds are administered by the state Department of Education, with meals historically provided to kids through schools and day care…
