Jury Selection Begins for Alleged Ringleader in $250M Pandemic Fraud Case

Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the trial of Aimee Bock, the alleged mastermind behind what federal prosecutors describe as one of the largest COVID-19 fraud cases in U.S. history. The case centers on a scheme that prosecutors say siphoned $250 million from a federal program intended to feed children during the pandemic.

Bock, the founder of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, maintains her innocence, with her attorney arguing that she was deceived by those she trusted. The trial, expected to last around six weeks, marks the second group of defendants to face trial in the scandal, which has already led to multiple convictions, guilty pleas, and even an alleged bribery attempt involving a juror.

A Massive Fraud Operation

Federal prosecutors allege that the scheme involved two nonprofit organizations, Feeding Our Future and Partners in Nutrition, which were initially small sponsors of the Federal Child Nutrition Program. However, during the pandemic, they dramatically increased their operations, claiming to sponsor a large number of meal sites.

Feeding Our Future, which had received $3.4 million in federal funds in 2019, saw that amount skyrocket to nearly $200 million by 2021. Prosecutors argue that the organization fraudulently obtained and distributed more than $240 million in federal funds, falsely claiming to serve thousands of meals daily.

According to court documents, the scheme operated on a “pay-to-play” basis. Individuals who wanted to run meal sites under Feeding Our Future’s sponsorship allegedly had to kick back a portion of their fraudulent earnings to Bock’s organization. Prosecutors say Bock and other employees also received bribes and kickbacks as part of the operation.

Aimee Bock Claims She Was Deceived

Bock’s attorney, Kenneth Udoibok, insists she is innocent of the fraud, conspiracy, and bribery charges against her.

“She’s innocent, and she’s going to express that belief, that truth, until the day she dies,” Udoibok said in an interview. He argues that Bock was manipulated by those around her, believing that the individuals involved were genuinely providing meals to those in need.

“She accepted no bribes or kickbacks from anybody. She did not know that the invoices were fraudulent,” Udoibok added. “She was focused on providing as much access to needy people as possible, that is, feeding adults and children during COVID and during the George Floyd protests.”

While many defendants in the case have already pleaded guilty, Udoibok contends that the jury will be able to distinguish Bock from the others.

An attorney for Bock’s co-defendant, Salim Ahmed Said, did not respond to requests for comment.

A Juror Targeted with $120,000 in Cash

The case has already been marred by a shocking bribery attempt during the first trial of five other defendants last year. According to prosecutors, some defendants and their associates attempted to bribe a juror with a bag containing $120,000 in cash. The juror immediately reported the incident to police, and five people were subsequently charged with bribery.

Three of those involved were on trial at the time, and two have already pleaded guilty. Another is scheduled to change his plea to guilty in March.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger described the bribery attempt as something “out of a mob movie.”

Given these events, U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel, who is overseeing Bock’s trial, has ordered additional protections for jurors to prevent further interference.

Fraud Becomes a Major Issue in Minnesota

The fraudulent scheme has also led to significant political repercussions in Minnesota. The stolen funds had flowed through the state’s Department of Education, making it a major controversy for Democratic Governor Tim Walz.

While Walz’s administration argued that federal investigators had advised them not to cut off funding to avoid compromising the FBI’s investigation, critics believe he should have acted sooner. The scandal became a major campaign issue, though Walz ultimately won reelection in 2022.

The case resurfaced in national politics after presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Walz as her running mate. Meanwhile, Minnesota Republicans have made government fraud a top legislative issue, with both parties pushing for new anti-fraud measures. However, political tensions remain high, and it is unclear whether bipartisan reform will be achieved.

A Long Legal Battle Ahead

Bock is one of 70 defendants charged in connection with the case. They are being tried in groups, with 30 already pleading guilty. The first defendant sentenced in the case received 17 and a half years in prison earlier this month, the longest sentence so far.

As the trial unfolds over the next several weeks, the court will determine whether Bock was truly at the center of the fraud, or—as her defense claims—another victim of those who exploited the pandemic relief program.