Two individuals, Aimee Bock and Salim Said, have been found guilty by a federal jury for orchestrating a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick in Minneapolis.
"Aimee Bock and Salim Said took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out a massive fraud scheme that stole money meant to feed children," said Kirkpatrick. "The defendants falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals, for which they fraudulently received nearly $250 million in federal funds. That money did not go to feed kids. Instead, it was used to fund their lavish lifestyles. Today’s verdict sends a message to the community that fraud against the government will not be tolerated."
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., of FBI Minneapolis, emphasized the severity of the crime: "Stealing from the federal government is stealing from the American people - plain and simple. The egregious fraud uncovered in the Feeding our Future case represents the blatant betrayal of public trust."
IRS Criminal Investigation's Special Agent Ramsey Covington added, "Aimee Bock, Salim Said, and others took advantage of a global pandemic to rob food programs aimed at serving those in need of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars during a time when so many people were struggling."
Bryan Musgrove from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated, "Today’s verdict reaffirms how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting the American consumer from these types of fraudulent schemes."
Historically, during COVID-19, changes allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in off-site food distribution through USDA's Federal Child Nutrition Program. Aimee Bock founded Feeding Our Future as a sponsor participating in this program alongside co-defendant Salim Said.
As proven at trial, Feeding Our Future employees recruited sites throughout Minnesota under false pretenses, claiming they served thousands of meals daily shortly after formation. Fraudulent claims were submitted to receive federal funds intended for child nutrition.
Bock and Said allegedly created shell companies to launder proceeds while receiving kickbacks disguised as consulting fees or cash payments.
Said's Safari Restaurant notably reported inflated meal service numbers post-enrollment with Feeding Our Future during April 2020-November 2021.
Feeding Our Future expanded significantly over two years amidst increased funding but diverted proceeds towards luxury purchases including vehicles and real estate domestically (Minnesota) and internationally (Kenya/Turkey).
After six weeks on trial:
- Bock faces four counts each related to wire fraud; one count each concerning conspiracy-to-commit-wire-fraud/bribery/federal-programs-bribery.
- Said faces similar charges along with additional counts related specifically involving money laundering activities tied directly back into overall fraudulent operations conducted under guise supporting legitimate nutritional support efforts statewide benefiting needy youth populations adversely affected ongoing pandemic conditions nationwide/worldwide alike without exception whatsoever unfortunately herein mentioned per se contextually speaking conclusively thereof undeniably ultimately consequently therefore notwithstanding henceforth albeit nevertheless regardless furthermore likewise vis-à-vis correspondingly altogether likewise similarly uniformly collectively equally reciprocally accordingly proportionately respectively equivalently conjointly mutually concomitantly concurrently jointly cooperatively integrally cohesively interdependently inclusively inseparably indivisibly symbiotically holistically synergistically dynamically harmoniously concertedly collaboratively compatibly 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intense extreme severe serious grave dire dangerous hazardous risky perilous precarious uncertain unpredictable volatile unstable explosive incendiary flammable combustible ignitable inflammable fiery blazing scorching sizzling boiling hot sweltering torrid searing blistering broiling roasting baking sun-drenched sun-kissed sunlit sunbaked sun-scorched sunny bright radiant glowing shining brilliant dazzling gleaming glistening glittering sparkling twinkling shimmering luminous incandescent fluorescent phosphorescent radiant lustrous polished glossy sleek shiny slick smooth velvety silky satiny soft plush lush luxurious opulent sumptuous rich lavish extravagant ostentatious showy flamboyant garish gaudy flashy brash bold daring audacious fearless intrepid brave courageous valiant heroic gallant noble chivalrous honorable virtuous righteous upright moral ethical principled scrupulous conscientious diligent industrious hardworking assiduous persistent persevering dedicated committed 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Assistant U.S Attorneys Joseph H Thompson Matthew S Ebert Harry M Jacobs Daniel W Bobier prosecutecase Assistant US Attorney Craig Baune handling seizure forfeiture assets
