Free Republic

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A Shakopee couple has been sentenced to a combined 97 months in prison for their roles in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mekfira Hussein, 42, and Abduljabar Hussein, 45, submitted fraudulent claims for meals and obtained approximately $8.8 million in federal child nutrition program funds. The Husseins were sentenced before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel. Mekfira Hussein was sentenced to 57 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She pleaded guilty on Jan. 31, 2025. Abduljabar Hussein was sentenced...

Five of the 10 Somali daycare centers that were visited by Nick Shirley in his viral exposé on alleged fraud in Minnesota were also meal sites for the fraud-laden "Feeding Our Future" organization. The case surrounding fraud with "Feeding Our Future" has seen over 90 people charged and at least 60 people have been convicted. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, half of the 10 daycare facilities that were visited by Shirley were also connected to Feeding Our Future as "meal sites." Altogether, the five daycare businesses got nearly $5 million from Feeding Our Future between 2018 and 2021. The...