MINNEAPOLIS — In a recent development regarding a significant COVID-19 fraud case in Minnesota, a federal judge has placed a restriction on the defendants related to the case, mandating that they avoid her courtroom amid fresh accusations of witness tampering. This fraud scheme reportedly embezzled $250 million from a program aimed at providing food for children.
Aimee Bock, the founder of a now-defunct nonprofit organization, stands trial this month along with Salim Said, a former co-owner of the Safari Restaurant located in Minneapolis, for their alleged involvement in this fraudulent operation. They are part of a larger group of 70 defendants implicated in this extensive investigation, with many having already entered guilty pleas. The trials for the others will be conducted in groups.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel enforced this restriction following an alarming claim made by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson. He raised concerns in court after the conclusion of a hearing on Tuesday, emphasizing that this recent allegation was particularly disturbing given a previous incident in June where an attempt was made to bribe a juror in an earlier trial connected to this extensive case, which is linked to an organization known as Feeding Our Future.
Prosecutors have described this situation as one of the most significant fraud cases related to the pandemic in the nation. The initial trial faced obstacles due to another alleged bribery attempt, wherein some individuals associated with the defendants allegedly sought to offer a juror $120,000 in cash. Fortunately, the juror reported this attempt directly to law enforcement.
“Once again, we see individuals attempting to undermine our judicial process,” Thompson stated to the judge.
He outlined an incident involving another defendant, Abdinasir Abshir, who allegedly approached a witness, Sharmake Jama, in the courthouse while testimony was still being provided on Tuesday. Najama, a former owner of Brava Cafe in Rochester, had already pleaded guilty with several family members and agreed to testify against Bock and Said. After the encounter, Jama informed his attorney, who subsequently alerted the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Brasel reacted decisively, stating, “I want to be unequivocal—witness tampering is a serious offense, and it’s crucial that we prevent it.” She indicated her intention to investigate the matter further and expressed her intent to interview Jama and a federal marshal who observed part of the exchange.
In her ruling on Wednesday, Judge Brasel established that all defendants in upcoming cases must notify her chambers a full day in advance if they wish to attend present or future trials. This measure aims to facilitate the arrangement of an overflow viewing area in another section of the Minneapolis federal courthouse. Additionally, she prohibited those defendants from entering the level of the building where her courtroom is situated.
Abshir’s attorney, Craig Cascarano, defended his client’s actions on Wednesday, asserting that Abshir had no intention of intimidating any witness and was unaware that Jama could be a witness. He elaborated that Abshir had recognized Jama during a chance encounter and simply wanted to extend his condolences regarding the recent passing of Jama’s mother and sister.
Moreover, the judge has mandated that both Said and Bock must refrain from communicating with any witnesses or co-defendants in the case. Though they are currently not in custody, Judge Brasel warned them that any breach of this directive could result in incarceration.
