A jury in Minneapolis has delivered a decisive verdict against Aimee Bock, finding her guilty on all counts for orchestrating one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in Minnesota. Bock, who established “Feeding Our Future,” was implicated along with 69 others in a scam that allegedly swindled $250 million from a program intended to supply food to underprivileged children during COVID-19.
This scandal is noted as the most significant case of fraud targeting COVID-19 relief efforts in the United States. The proceedings have been marked by serious accusations including jury tampering and witness intimidation in Bock’s trial, which commenced last month. Out of the other defendants, 37 have confessed to their crimes, while five were found guilty in a trial held the previous year.
Another defendant, Salim Ahmed Said, previously owned the now-closed Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis and was also convicted by the jury. Bock, aged 44, and Said, aged 36, faced multiple accusations, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery. Said faced additional money laundering charges. Prosecutors accused Bock of accumulating near $2 million, while Said allegedly received about $5 million. Both individuals maintained their innocence and provided testimony during the trial.
Judge Nancy Brasel of the U.S. District Court has ordered that Bock and Said remain in custody without bail pending sentencing, though no date has been established. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick strongly condemned Bock’s actions, labeling them disgraceful at a subsequent news conference. Kirkpatrick remarked, “During a time when many were acting as helpers, Bock and Said turned into thieves. They viewed the crisis as a chance to unjustly profit and perpetuated their fraudulent endeavors to the fullest.”
Kenneth Udoibok, Bock’s attorney, announced plans to appeal, questioning how the jury could have adequately considered the extensive six-week evidence in their brief deliberations. On the contrary, lead prosecutor Joe Thompson described the fraud as “brazen and corrupt,” arguing that it damaged Minnesota’s reputation for quality governance and civic duty.
Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz expressed his ongoing outrage at the criminals who exploited a system designed to support children’s needs. He noted that while his administration faced criticism over failure to detect the fraud sooner, none in the state government have been charged. Emphasizing greater security, Walz stated, “We must ensure these criminals aren’t able to exploit such systems again.”
Authorities have managed to reclaim about $60 million of the $250 million that was misappropriated. Attorney Thompson noted that Bock and Said could face significant prison sentences. The trials are being conducted in stages, and the first trial faced controversies including an attempted bribe of a juror with $120,000, leading to heightened security measures for Bock’s proceedings.
Mid-trial, there emerged allegations of witness tampering when a defendant set for trial in the coming months, Abdinasir Abshir, approached a government witness against Bock and Said, seeking a secret conversation. This witness declined the request and reported it to his attorney. Subsequently, Abshir accepted a plea agreement for wire fraud, which will influence a potentially extended sentence but remains subject to the judge’s discretion.
