MINNEAPOLIS — On Wednesday, a federal judge implemented measures to ensure the integrity of the court ahead of several upcoming trials linked to a significant COVID-19 fraud case in Minnesota. The actions come after concerns arose regarding potential witness tampering connected to the trial of Aimee Bock, the alleged ringleader of the scheme, which reportedly embezzled $250 million from a program intended to provide meals for children during the pandemic.
Bock, who established and operated a now-closed nonprofit organization, stands trial alongside Salim Said, a former co-owner of the Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, facing accusations of participating in this fraudulent scheme. They are part of a larger group, with around 70 defendants charged in this major investigation, many of whom have accepted plea deals, while others are being tried in groups.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel issued restrictions following remarks by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who raised the alarm about the alleged witness tampering during court proceedings the previous day. Thompson highlighted the severity of the situation, especially after a juror was previously approached in June with an explicit bribe during the first trial involving the fraud case, which centers on an organization known as Feeding Our Future.
This fraud case is being recognized as one of the largest related to the pandemic in the U.S. The initial trial witnessed a shocking attempt to sway juror decisions, wherein a juror was offered a bag containing $120,000 in cash, an act that prompted the juror to notify law enforcement immediately.
Thompson reported to the judge that Abdinasir Abshir, a defendant scheduled for trial later this year, encountered a witness in the courthouse corridor during testimony and requested a private conversation in a restroom. The witness, Sharmake Jama, a former owner of Brava Cafe in Rochester, had pleaded guilty earlier in the case, along with several family members, and had agreed to testify against Bock and Said. Jama communicated this potentially alarming interaction to his attorney, who then alerted the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In response, Judge Brasel stated, “I want to emphasize that witness tampering is a serious offense, and preventing it is our priority.” She underscored her commitment to investigate the situation further, noting that she would be speaking with Jama, a federal marshal who observed part of the exchange, and a member of the prosecution.
As part of her ruling on Wednesday, Brasel mandated all defendants involved in the upcoming cases to provide 24-hour notice to her chambers if they wished to be present at current or future trials. This measure aims to facilitate arrangements for alternative viewing areas outside her courtroom to prevent any unapproved access. Furthermore, she explicitly prohibited defendants from entering the floor where her courtroom is situated.
Abshir’s attorney did not respond to inquiries for comment on the issues raised. The judge had previously ordered both Bock and Said to refrain from communicating with any witnesses or co-defendants involved in the proceedings. Although they are not currently in custody, Brasel warned them that disobeying her order could lead to jail time.
