In one of the largest pandemic-era fraud schemes in U.S. history, a network of fraudsters in Minnesota siphoned nearly $250 million in federal funds meant to feed hungry children and used the money to finance extravagant lifestyles, buying mansions, luxury vehicles, and designer goods.
Court evidence reveals the staggering scale of the "Feeding Our Future" scheme, orchestrated by Aimee Bock. Her organization fraudulently claimed to have served 91 million meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, submitting fake invoices for reimbursement from the Minnesota Department of Education.
From Fake Meals to Real Mansions: Where the Money Went
The fraud's mastermind, Aimee Bock, was convicted of wire fraud, conspiracy, and bribery in March 2025. While prosecutors did not accuse Bock of making major personal purchases, they detailed how her network spent the stolen funds. Newly obtained court exhibits show the opulent results:
* Real Estate: Salim Said, a local restaurant owner and key conspirator, used $250,000 in stolen funds to buy a home in Plymouth, Minnesota. A separate $2.7 million wire transfer linked to the fraud purchased a mansion-style office building in Minneapolis to serve as his company's headquarters.
* Luxury Vehicles: Said also used the money to buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA and a 2021 Chevy Silverado. Exhibits from the broader network featured images of other luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce and a Lamborghini.
* Designer Goods: Prosecutors presented evidence showing purchases of high-end jewelry, designer handbags, and large cash withdrawals, illustrating the "lavish lifestyle" funded by the fraud.
The Scheme: Lies, Lawsuits, and "God-Like" Power
The fraud operated by creating sham meal sites and shell companies. Bock approved these sites and certified their claims. When state regulators grew suspicious and tried to stop payments in 2021, Bock's organization sued the Minnesota Department of Education, accusing it of racial discrimination. A judge ordered the state to restart reimbursements, which prosecutors say allowed the fraud to escalate dramatically.
Witnesses at trial described Bock's immense control over the network, with one testifying, "Aimee Bock was a God." Prosecutors presented evidence, including a $30,000 cash withdrawal by Bock, which they argued was part of a kickback scheme for approving fraudulent sites.
Bock's defense claimed she was an unwitting administrator who trusted the wrong people and followed federal rules. The jury rejected this argument, finding her guilty. At least 78 people have been indicted in the ongoing investigation.
*Source: Fox News*
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