MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge has mandated that defendants involved in forthcoming cases linked to a significant COVID-19 fraud scheme in Minnesota must avoid her courtroom. This decision comes after concerns regarding witness tampering were raised during the trial of the alleged mastermind behind the scheme. Prosecutors assert that the fraudulent activities diverted $250 million from a program intended to provide meals for children.
Aimee Bock, the founder and former head of the now shuttered nonprofit organization, is currently on trial with Salim Said, a former co-owner of Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis. They are accused of participation in the fraud, alongside approximately 70 other defendants who have been implicated in the investigation. Many among them have already entered guilty pleas, while others are being tried in successive groups.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel implemented these restrictions following a statement made by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson. After the court session concluded on Tuesday, Thompson expressed concerns regarding an alleged incident involving an attempt to influence a witness. He highlighted this issue as particularly serious considering a related case in June where a juror was reportedly offered a bribe of $120,000 in cash. The juror promptly reported the incident to the authorities.
“This is a troubling situation where individuals seem intent on undermining our judicial processes,” Thompson remarked in court.
The case, regarded as one of the largest instances of fraud related to the pandemic in the nation, has attracted significant media attention. The trial has experienced setbacks, including the prior alleged bribery attempt involving a different jury, which ultimately led to law enforcement’s involvement.
In court, Thompson recounted an incident where Abdinasir Abshir, a defendant with a trial scheduled later this year, allegedly approached Sharmake Jama, a former owner of Brava Cafe in Rochester, while testimony was ongoing. Jama had previously pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with authorities by testifying against Bock and Said. Following the encounter, Jama informed his attorney, prompting them to alert the U.S. Attorney’s Office about the potential tampering.
“I want to emphasize that witness tampering is both a crime and a severe violation,” Judge Brasel stated firmly. “We aim to put a stop to such actions. I am unsure of what transpired today, but I intend to investigate further.”
Judge Brasel plans to interview Jama regarding the incident alongside a federal marshal who witnessed parts of the exchange, as well as one of the prosecutors.
In her order issued Wednesday, she instructed that all defendants facing upcoming trials must notify her office at least 24 hours in advance if they wish to attend any current proceedings. This protocol allows for appropriate arrangements for additional viewing locations on a different floor of the Minneapolis federal courthouse. Furthermore, Judge Brasel prohibited defendants from entering the floor where her courtroom is situated.
In response to the allegations, Abdshir’s attorney, Craig Cascarano, clarified that his client did not intend to intimidate Jama and was not aware that he was a potential witness. Cascarano stated that Abshir had merely recognized Jama in the hallway and wanted to extend his condolences following the recent passing of Jama’s mother and sister.
On Tuesday, the judge explicitly instructed both Said and Bock not to engage with any witnesses or fellow defendants related to the case, with the warning that noncompliance could result in incarceration. Neither Bock nor Said is currently in custody.
