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Fraudsters
118 defendants compiled from Department of Justice releases and court-record trackers, each row with its source. Federal sentences carry no parole: a defendant serves the term less good-conduct credit of up to 54 days a year, then supervised release. Blank cells are facts not yet verified, not facts that do not exist. Sorted by sentence, then restitution.
Totals per DOJ and the trackers, as of October 1, 2026: Feeding Our Future 80 charged, 69 convicted (62 pleas, 7 at trial), 2 acquitted, 1 deceased, 2 long-term fugitives, 30 or 31 sentenced; Housing Stabilization 21 federal defendants, 14 pleaded; autism services 4 federal defendants, 2 pleaded; the May 21, 2026 takedown 15 defendants, 7 pleaded. Sources: DOJ and USAO-MN releases (often via IRS-CI mirrors), the DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota case summaries, Sahan Journal's charged / convicted / sentenced trackers, Center of the American Experiment sentencing posts, and Minnesota Attorney General releases for state cases. Not yet resolved: Salim Said's sentence (set for late October 2026), roughly 35 plea dates Sahan omits, and most supervised-release terms.
Feeding Our Future 80 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aimee Marie Bock sponsor founder/executive director (ringleader) | Feeding Our Future St. Anthony, MN | Ran the sponsor nonprofit that enrolled hundreds of fraudulent meal sites, took kickbacks and submitted ~$250M in false Federal Child Nutrition Program claims. loss $250.0M | convicted at trial 2025-03-19 | 500 months (41.7 yrs); restitution $243.0M Federal sentence, no parole; sentenced 2026-05-21 by Judge Nancy Brasel; projected release not stated in release; appeal filed. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-05-22 |
| Abdiaziz Shafii Farah site/vendor operator (Empire Cuisine group leader); juror bribery ringleader | Empire Cuisine and Market LLC Shakopee, MN | Led the Empire Cuisine network that claimed 18 million meals and $49M in reimbursements, pocketing about $8M; then orchestrated the $120,000 juror bribe during his 2024 trial. loss $47.9M | convicted at trial 2024-06-07 | 456 months (38.0 yrs); restitution $47.9M 336 months imposed 2025-08-06 for the fraud plus 120 months consecutive imposed 2026-07-22 for juror bribery (38 years total); federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-08-06 |
| Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff vendor/developer (Afrique Hospitality Group CEO) | Afrique Hospitality Group | Diverted more than $1.3M of Empire Cuisine-linked proceeds into his Afrique hospitality venture. loss $1.3M | convicted at trial 2024-06-07 | 210 months (17.5 yrs); 36 mo supervised release; restitution $47.9M Sentenced 2025-01-24 by Judge Brasel; restitution reported as almost $48M joint; federal sentence, no parole. | Sahan Journal sentencing report, 2025-01-24 |
| Mohamed Jama Ismail site/vendor operator (Empire Cuisine co-owner) | Empire Cuisine and Market LLC; MZ Market LLC Shakopee, MN | Co-owner of Empire Cuisine; personally took about $2.2M of the group's ~$47M and spent on his mortgage, firearms and overseas investments. loss $2.2M | convicted at trial 2024-06-07 | 144 months (12.0 yrs); 36 mo supervised release; restitution $47.9M First defendant sentenced, 2024-10-15, Judge Brasel; restitution reported as nearly $48M joint; federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2024-10-15 |
| Abdimajid Mohamed Nur shell-company operator (Empire Cuisine group); juror bribery co-conspirator | Nur Consulting LLC; Empire Cuisine & Market Shakopee, MN | Laundered about $900,000 of Empire Cuisine proceeds through Nur Consulting, then joined the plot to bribe a juror. loss $47.0M | convicted at trial 2024-06-07 | 120 months (10.0 yrs); 36 mo supervised release; restitution $47.9M Sentenced 2025-11-24 by Judge Brasel; federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-11-24 |
| Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir site operator | Stigma-Free Mankato site; J's Sambusa Mankato, MN | Stigma-Free Mankato claimed about $5.4M in meals; sentence enhanced for attempted witness tampering at the courthouse. loss $5.4M | pleaded guilty | 78 months (6.5 yrs) Sentenced 2026-08-18 by Judge Brasel with credit for 16 months served; federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-08-18 |
| Ahmed Abdullahi Ghedi site operator | ASA Limited LLC; Safari Restaurant | ASA Limited drew about $7.3M; Ghedi deposited roughly $2M into a shell company and spent on luxury cars and credit cards. loss $7.3M | pleaded guilty 2025-06-26 | 65 months (5.4 yrs); restitution $2.9M Sentenced 2026-08-26 (25th sentenced per DOJ); federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-08-27 |
| Abdikadir Ainanshe Mohamud (aka AK) site operator | Stigma-Free Willmar site; FaaFan Restaurant Willmar, MN | Claimed roughly 1.6 million meals in Willmar (pop. ~21,000); the operation drew more than $4M in program funds. loss $4.0M | pleaded guilty 2025-02 | 60 months (5.0 yrs); 24 mo supervised release; restitution $3.0M Sentenced 2026-09-03; self-surrender ordered by 2026-10-20; federal sentence, no parole. | FOX 9 report, 2026-09-03 |
| Abdulkarim Shafii Farah juror bribery co-conspirator (brother of Abdiaziz and Said Farah; not a meal-program defendant) | Minneapolis, MN | Helped plan and record the June 2, 2024 delivery of $120,000 cash to a juror's home during the first Feeding Our Future trial. | convicted at trial | 57 months (4.8 yrs); 12 mo supervised release Sentenced 2026-03-04 by Judge Eric Tostrud; press accounts say he was found guilty while four co-defendants pleaded; federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-03-04 |
| Mekfira Hussein site operator (nonprofit president) | Shamsia Hopes Brooklyn Center, MN | Shamsia Hopes claimed up to 5,000 children a day with fake meal counts and invoices; the couple received about $8.8M and bought a Porsche and Tesla. loss $8.8M | pleaded guilty 2025-01-31 | 57 months (4.8 yrs) Sentenced 2026-09-08 by Judge Brasel; arrested in 2022 holding a one-way ticket to Ethiopia; federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-09-09 |
| Abdihakim Ali Ahmed site operator | ASA Limited LLC; Five A's Projects (shell) | ASA Limited claimed to feed 2,000-3,000 children a day and received about $7.3M; proceeds moved through a shell company. loss $7.3M | pleaded guilty 2025-03-24 | 54 months (4.5 yrs); restitution $2.2M Sentenced 2026-08-26 (24th sentenced per DOJ); federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-08-27 |
| Sahra Mohamed Nur site operator / vendor co-owner | Academy for Youth Excellence; S&S Catering Minneapolis, MN | Claimed about $6M in meals through Academy for Youth Excellence and S&S Catering, pocketing more than $5M. loss $5.0M | pleaded guilty | 51 months (4.2 yrs); 24 mo supervised release; restitution $5.0M Sentenced 2025-05-23; federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-05-23 |
| Sharon Denise Ross site operator (nonprofit director) | House of Refuge Twin Cities St. Paul, MN | House of Refuge claimed about $2.4M in meals; proceeds funded vacations, a Timberwolves suite and a Willernie home. loss $2.4M | pleaded guilty 2024-01-10 | 43 months (3.6 yrs); 36 mo supervised release; restitution $2.4M Sentenced 2025-02-07 by Judge Brasel; Willernie home forfeited; federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-02-07 |
| Abdullahe Nur Jesow site operator | Academy for Youth Excellence (at Benadir Hall) Minneapolis, MN | Academy for Youth Excellence collected $4,286,088 in program funds from a Lake Street event hall; Jesow laundered part of it. loss $4.3M | pleaded guilty 2025-09-18 | 43 months (3.6 yrs); 24 mo supervised release; restitution $866,458 Sentenced 2026-04-09 by Judge Brasel; federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-04-09 |
| Abduljabar Hussein vendor operator | Oromia Feeds LLC | Created Oromia Feeds as the purported food supplier to four Shamsia Hopes sites run by his wife. loss $8.8M | pleaded guilty 2025-02-05 | 40 months (3.3 yrs) Sentenced 2026-09-08 by Judge Brasel; federal sentence, no parole. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-09-09 |
| Ahmed Sharif Omar-Hashim (aka Salah Donyale) site operator | Olive Management Inc. | Claimed 1.6 million meals through Olive Management and collected about $7.4M in program funds. loss $7.4M | pleaded guilty 2023-12-13 | 36 months (3.0 yrs); restitution $3.0M Sentenced 2026-08-27 (26th sentenced per DOJ count); federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-08-27 |
| Filsan Mumin Hassan site operator | Youth for Higher Educational Achievement Brooklyn Park, MN | Her nonprofit claimed about $2.5M in meals; proceeds bought a Brooklyn Park townhome with a co-defendant. loss $2.5M | pleaded guilty | 36 months (3.0 yrs); restitution $361,000 Sentenced 2026-05-07; federal sentence, no parole. | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Abdi Nur Salah site operator (nonprofit founder; former aide to Minneapolis Mayor Frey) | Stigma-Free International Minneapolis, MN | Stigma-Free International sites claimed nearly 5 million meals and drew over $10M; Salah personally received about $1.66M, laundered through shell companies into real estate. loss $1.7M | pleaded guilty 2025-01 | 33 months (2.8 yrs); restitution $1.1M Sentenced 2026-10-01 by Judge Brasel (31st sentenced per DOJ); federal sentence, no parole. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-10-01 |
| Ahmed Mohamed Artan site operator | Stigma-Free International; Olive Management; Optimum Community Services; Five A's Project Minneapolis, MN | Used Stigma-Free International to open sites statewide that together claimed 5 million meals; proceeds bought Kelly's 19th Hole bar in Brooklyn Park (sold for restitution). | pleaded guilty 2025-06 | 33 months (2.8 yrs) Sentenced 2026-08-13; restitution ordered (reported as over $660,000, joint liability undecided); federal sentence, no parole. | KSTP report, 2026-08-13 |
| Hussein Mohamed Farah site operator (nonprofit) | New Vision Foundation | New Vision Foundation submitted false meal counts for two sites and received about $2.7M. loss $2.7M | pleaded guilty | 20 months; 24 mo supervised release; restitution $471,000 Sentenced 2026-08-27; federal sentence, no parole. | FOX 9 report, 2026-08-27 |
| Yusuf Bashir Ali shell-company operator | Youth Inventors Lab (shell); S&S Catering (claimed supplier) | Part of the Youth Inventors Lab scheme claiming $3M; personally took about $280,000. loss $280,000 | pleaded guilty | 18 months Sentenced 2026-04-15; federal sentence, no parole. | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Sharmake Jama site/vendor operator | Brava Restaurant and Cafe LLC Rochester, MN | Brava Restaurant in Rochester claimed about $5.3M in meals; proceeds laundered through family members. loss $5.3M | pleaded guilty | 16 months Sentenced 2026-05-07; federal sentence, no parole. | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Mustafa Jama money launderer (Brava Restaurant family) | Brava Restaurant and Cafe Rochester, MN | Laundered about $2M with co-conspirators, buying a Lakeville home and coastal property in Turkey. loss $1.4M | pleaded guilty | 14 months; restitution $1.4M Sentenced 2026-07-08; federal sentence, no parole. | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Najmo Ahmed site operator | Evergreen Grocery and Deli Minneapolis, MN | Co-ran Evergreen Grocery ($4.1-4.2M claimed); personally took about $1.4M spent on luxury goods and overseas trading. loss $4.1M | pleaded guilty 2025-02 | 14 months; restitution $1.4M Sentenced 2026-06-15; court credited her help in her husband's surrender; federal sentence, no parole. | FOX 9 report, 2026-06-15 |
| Abdul Abubakar Ali site operator | Youth Inventors Lab St. Paul, MN | Youth Inventors Lab falsely reported 1.3 million meals and claimed about $3M. loss $3.0M | pleaded guilty 2022-10-26 | 12 months Sentenced 2026-03-30; federal sentence, no parole. | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Zamzam Jama money launderer (Brava Restaurant family) | Brava Restaurant and Cafe Rochester, MN | Deposited about $2M of Brava proceeds into shell companies; personally took $491,245. loss $491,245 | pleaded guilty | 6 months; 12 mo supervised release; restitution $491,245 Sentenced 2026-03-31 (downward departure from 10-16 month guideline); federal sentence, no parole. | Center of the American Experiment, 2026-03-31 |
| Asha Jama money launderer (Brava Restaurant worker) | Brava Restaurant Rochester, MN | Helped move about $2M of Brava proceeds into shell companies; Brava took roughly $4.3M. loss $4.3M | pleaded guilty | 6 months; restitution $450,000 Sentenced 2026-06-16; federal sentence, no parole. | FOX 9 report, 2026-06-16 |
| Haji Osman Salad vendor operator | Haji's Kitchen | Haji's Kitchen claimed about $19M in meals; Salad kept $11.4M and put $437,000 toward the Nolosha development land purchase. loss $11.5M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $11.4M Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 5 to 6.5 years; $11.4M restitution agreed. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Suleman Yusuf Mohamed vendor operator | Star Distribution LLC Minneapolis, MN | Star Distribution received about $10.1M in program funds as a purported vendor. loss $10.1M | pleaded guilty 2026-04-02 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $8.7M Awaiting sentencing; guideline 41 to 51 months reported. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-04-09 |
| Abdulkadir Nur Salah site/vendor operator (Safari Restaurant co-owner) | Safari Restaurant Minneapolis, MN | Co-owner of Safari Restaurant, which received more than $16M in fraudulent child nutrition funds. loss $16.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $5.5M Awaiting sentencing; plea agreement guideline range 9 to 11.5 years; $5.5M restitution agreed. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Lul Bashir Ali vendor operator | Lido Restaurant Faribault, MN | Lido Restaurant served as the purported vendor for the Faribault sites in a $5M-plus fraud. loss $5.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $5.0M Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Mohamed Ali Hussein site operator | Somali American Faribault Education (SAFE) Faribault, MN | Claimed to serve 2,500 children a day in Faribault; with Lul Ali defrauded more than $5M. loss $5.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $5.0M Awaiting sentencing; agreed to forfeit three properties and a car. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Sharmarke Issa site/vendor operator (former MPHA board chair) | Wacan Restaurant LLC; Minnesota's Somali Community Minneapolis, MN | Claimed about $2.3M in meals and kept $1.1M personally. loss $2.3M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $3.6M Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Abdulkadir Awale site/vendor operator | Karmel Coffee; Sambusa King; Nawal Restaurant Bloomington, MN | Enrolled three restaurants that drew more than $11M in program funds. loss $11.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $2.0M Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Gandi Yusuf Mohamed (aka Gandi Abdi Kediye) money launderer | GAK Properties LLC; GIF Properties LLC | Laundered about $1.3M of family fraud proceeds through property companies; rejected a plea in March 2026 then pleaded in April. loss $1.3M | pleaded guilty 2026-04-09 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $1.3M Awaiting sentencing. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-04-09 |
| Hoda Ali Abdi site/vendor operator | Alif Halal LLC Burnsville, MN | Claimed about $3M in meals and collected $243,000-plus. loss $243,000 | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $1.3M Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 2 to 2.5 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Kawsar Jama site operator | Gedo Community Services; Ahlan Childcare (4 sites incl. Pelican Rapids) Eagan / Pelican Rapids, MN | Claimed 2,560 meals a day in Pelican Rapids, a town of about 2,500; personally profited more than $1.3M. loss $1.3M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $1.3M Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 3 to 3.5 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Abdikadir Kadiye site operator | Hobyo Health Care Foundation (3 sites) Plymouth, MN | Claimed more than $1M through three Hobyo Health Care sites and bought a $100,000 BMW. loss $1.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $876,897 Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Liban Yasin Alishire site operator | Community Enhancement Services Inc.; Lake Street Kitchen Minneapolis, MN | Claimed about $2.4M in meals and kept $714,000; agreed to forfeit Kenyan property, a Ford F-150 and a boat. loss $2.4M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $714,000 Sentencing scheduled for December 2026. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Shakur Abdinur Abdisalam site operator | Inspiring Youth and Out Reach LLC Minneapolis, MN | His site claimed more than $1.5M; agreed to $457,000 restitution. loss $1.5M | pleaded guilty 2026-03-18 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $457,000 Awaiting sentencing; about 2 years recommended. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-03-20 |
| Mulata Ali shell-company money launderer | Franklyn Transportation LLC (shell) Minneapolis, MN | Let about $2M be laundered through Franklyn Transportation, receiving roughly $100,000. loss $2.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $95,099 Probation-only sentence imposed 2026-04-29 (probation length not found). | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Ahmed Yasin Ali site operator | Lake Street Kitchen (JigJiga Business Center) Minneapolis, MN | Claimed about 70,000 meals (~$196,000) at Lake Street Kitchen; pleaded to a currency-reporting offense. loss $196,000 | pleaded guilty | probation 12 months; restitution $61,000 Probation-only sentence imposed 2026-08-04; immigration proceedings pending. | Center of the American Experiment, 2026-08-04 |
| Mohamed Muse Noor (aka Deeq Darajo) vendor/media operator | Xogmaal Media Group Minneapolis, MN | Part of a $1.3M conspiracy; personally received about $52,000. loss $1.3M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $52,000 Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 1.5 to 2 years; arrested in Chicago in 2022. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Khadar Jigre Adan landlord to fraudulent site | JigJiga Business Center Minneapolis, MN | Landlord of the JigJiga Business Center who accepted $1,000 tied to the fraudulent Lake Street Kitchen site. loss $1,000 | pleaded guilty 2025-09 | probation 12 months; restitution $1,000 Probation-only sentence imposed 2026-04-29. | Sahan Journal sentencing tracker, updated 2026-10-01 |
| Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh Feeding Our Future employee (alleged No. 2; recruited sites, took kickbacks) | Feeding Our Future St. Anthony, MN | Alleged second-in-command who enrolled sites and collected bribes; fled to Somalia in 2022 and was transferred to Minnesota 2026-07-16 to face 31 counts. | pending | pending Former international fugitive (Somalia, 2022-2026); pleaded not guilty 2026-07-17; released on $350,000 bond; trial was set for 2026-09-08, outcome not found. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-07-16 |
| Abdirahman Mohamud Ahmed (aka Chef Abcos) site/vendor operator (Safari Restaurant co-owner) | Safari Restaurant; Afra Grill Minneapolis, MN | Co-owner of Safari Restaurant ($16M organization) who admitted spending fraud proceeds; now runs Afra Grill in Columbus, Ohio. loss $16.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; probation recommended under plea agreement. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Abdirashid Bixi Dool site operator | Bilaal Mosque Inc.; Multicultural Resource Center Inc. Pelican Rapids, MN | Claimed about $1.1M in meals through a mosque and resource center in Pelican Rapids. loss $1.1M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; about 3 years guideline. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Abdiwahab Ahmed Mohamud vendor operator | S&S Catering; Academy for Youth Excellence | Operated S&S Catering, a vendor tied to roughly $17M in fraudulent claims. loss $17.0M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 11 to 14 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin vendor operator (Bushra Wholesalers) | Bushra Wholesalers LLC Minneapolis, MN | Co-founder of a Minneapolis wholesaler alleged to have supplied phony invoices to Empire Cuisine sites; acquitted of all three counts. | acquitted 2024-06-07 | acquitted Acquitted by jury. | Sahan Journal verdict report, 2024-06-07 |
| Ahmednaji Maalim Aftin Sheikh overseas money launderer (brother of Abdiaziz Farah) | Kenya | Helped move millions in Empire Cuisine proceeds to Kenya and into a 20 percent stake in a Kenyan real-estate business. | pending | pending Resides in Kenya; no report of arrest or appearance found, so custody status unconfirmed (effectively at large). | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-09 |
| Aisha Hassan Hussein site operator | United Youth of MPLS LLC Minneapolis, MN | Her site claimed about $2.1-2.2M; she received roughly $166,000 in kickbacks. loss $2.2M | pleaded guilty 2026-03-20 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-03-20 |
| Anab Artan Awad site operator | Multiple Community Services (5 sites) Minneapolis / Osseo / Faribault, MN | Her five sites claimed 3.8 million meals; she and purported vendors obtained $9,333,858. loss $9.3M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; plea agreement caps prison at 5 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Asad Mohamed Abshir site operator | Stigma-Free Mankato site Mankato, MN | With his brother, ran the Stigma-Free Mankato site that claimed about $1.6M worth of food. loss $1.6M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Ayan Farah Abukar site operator | Action for East African People | Claimed about $5.7M and paid more than $330,000 in kickbacks; bought Lakeville commercial property and an aircraft in Kenya. loss $5.7M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Ayan Jama site/vendor operator | Brava Restaurant and Cafe LLC Rochester, MN | Co-operator of Brava Restaurant ($5.3M claimed). loss $5.3M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 4 to 5 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Bekam Addissu Merdassa site operator | Youth Inventors Lab | First defendant to plead; Youth Inventors Lab falsely reported 1.3 million meals (~$3M). loss $3.0M | pleaded guilty 2022-10-13 | probation 24 months Probation-only sentence imposed 2026-04-06 by Judge Brasel. | Center of the American Experiment, 2026-04-06 |
| Dorothy Jean Moore site/vendor operator | Jean's Soul Food (shell vendor) Apple Valley, MN | Enrolled two church sites with Jean's Soul Food as a shell vendor, claiming about $1.4M spent on vehicles, travel and designer goods. loss $1.4M | pending | pending Released pending trial; 72nd defendant charged. | Sahan Journal charging report, 2025-06 |
| Fadumo Mohamed Yusuf site operator | Active Mind's Youth LLC Minneapolis, MN | Her site claimed more than $1M; she received about $166,000 in kickbacks. loss $1.0M | pleaded guilty 2026-03-20 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-03-20 |
| Fahad Nur vendor operator | The Produce LLC Minneapolis, MN | Principal of a purported produce vendor; fled the country after the January 2022 FBI searches. | fugitive | fugitive International fugitive since 2022 (defendant No. 32); whereabouts unknown. | Center of the American Experiment, 2023-06-20 |
| Farhiya Mohamud money launderer (real-estate purchaser) | Dua Supplies and Distribution Inc. Bloomington, MN | Received fraud proceeds from other defendants to buy property. | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; one year probation recommended. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Fartun Jama money launderer (Brava Restaurant family) | Brava Restaurant Rochester, MN | Charged in the Brava Restaurant laundering conspiracy; died in July 2023 before trial. | dismissed | dismissed Deceased (July 2023); charges abated. | Sahan Journal charged-defendants tracker, updated 2026-07-28 |
| Guhaad Hashi Said site operator | Advance Youth Athletic Development Minneapolis, MN | Claimed about $2.9M in meals through a Minneapolis youth-sports nonprofit. loss $2.9M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 4 to 5 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Hadith Yusuf Ahmed Feeding Our Future employee (site monitor); shell-company operator | Southwest Metro Youth (shell) | Took about $1M in kickbacks for enrolling sites and ran a shell site that claimed $1.1M for 2,000 children a day. loss $2.1M | pleaded guilty 2022-10-13 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Hamdi Hussein Omar site operator | Stigma-Free Waite Park site; Feeding Our Youth Waite Park, MN | Ran the Stigma-Free Waite Park site, collecting about $1.4M in fraudulent claims. loss $1.4M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Hanna Marekegn site/vendor operator | Brava Cafe Minneapolis, MN | Brava Cafe claimed more than two million meals and received about $7.1M. loss $7.1M | pleaded guilty 2022-10-13 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 37 to 46 months. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Hayat Mohamed Nur site operator (Empire Cuisine group) | multiple food sites (Empire Cuisine network) | Submitted false meal rosters for Empire-network sites; personally received about $30,000. loss $30,000 | convicted at trial 2024-06-07 | convicted at trial, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal verdict report, 2024-06-07 |
| Hibo Salah Daar site operator | Northside Wellness Center Corporation Minneapolis, MN | Claimed 40,000 meals a week (~$2.4M) and paid $72,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee. loss $2.4M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Ikram Yusuf Mohamed Feeding Our Future consultant; site/vendor operator | Star Distribution LLC; multiple family-registered sites Minneapolis, MN | Registered sites in relatives' names, drew $4.9M through Star Distribution and took $1.3-1.9M in kickbacks. loss $6.9M | pleaded guilty 2026-03-18 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; recommended 6 to 10 years. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-03-20 |
| Khadra Abdi site operator | Shafi'i Tutoring and Homework Help Center | Her tutoring center claimed about $3.5M in meals. loss $3.5M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline range 2.25 to 2.75 years. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Ladan Mohamed Ali juror bribery courier (not a meal-program defendant) | Seattle, WA | Delivered the bag of $120,000 cash to the juror's residence on June 2, 2024 with a promise of more for an acquittal. | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Star Tribune report, 2026-07-22 |
| Mahad Ibrahim site sponsor/operator | ThinkTechAct Foundation (Mind Foundry Learning Foundation) | Ran ThinkTechAct Foundation sites in partnership with Empire Cuisine and laundered proceeds. | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; resides Lewis Center, Ohio. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Mohamoud Warsame vendor/site operator | Metro Area Catering; Southside Youth LLC Minneapolis, MN | Claimed 1.6 million meals through Metro Area Catering and received more than $4.7M, buying a Plymouth home and a Minneapolis commercial building. loss $4.7M | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence 80th defendant charged; pleaded guilty about a week after charging (late July 2026); 4 to 5 years guideline; forfeiting home, building and vehicle. | Star Tribune report, 2026-07-30 |
| Muna Wais Fidhin site operator | M5 Cafe; M5 Care Burnsville, MN | Claimed about 300,000 meals at two sites and received about $1M spent on her mortgage and car. loss $1.0M | pending | pending 75th defendant charged; no plea or trial outcome found. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-09 |
| Ousman Camara site operator | K's Dollar Grocery & Deli Minneapolis, MN | Claimed 1,000 children a day at a north Minneapolis grocery (300,000-plus meals, $1M-plus), wired $100,000 abroad and paid about $87,000 in kickbacks. loss $1.0M | pending | pending Pleaded not guilty; 77th defendant charged. | KSTP report, 2025-11-20 |
| Qamar Ahmed Hassan vendor operator | S&S Catering | S&S Catering served as a purported vendor; Hassan transferred $800,000-plus and bought vehicles, a townhome and a Nairobi apartment. | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | Sahan Journal convicted-defendants tracker, updated 2026-08-19 |
| Sade Osman Hashi site/vendor operator | Great Lakes Inc. (Safari Express) Minneapolis, MN | CEO of a food site that doubled as vendor Safari Express; skipped an April 2023 hearing and has not been located. | fugitive | fugitive Bench warrant issued after failing to appear April 2023 (defendant No. 59); whereabouts unknown. | Center of the American Experiment, 2023-06-20 |
| Sahra Sharif Osman site operator | Youth International Club LLC Hopkins / Edina, MN | Two sites claimed more than $1.4M; she received about $7,500 in kickbacks. loss $1.4M | pleaded guilty 2026-03-20 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-03-20 |
| Said Abdullahi Ereg site operator | Evergreen Grocery and Deli Minneapolis, MN | With his wife claimed to feed more than 3,200 children twice a day at a south Minneapolis grocery, taking about $4.2M; fled to Kenya and surrendered 2026-06-10. loss $4.2M | pending | pending Former fugitive (FBI Most Wanted Fraudsters); surrendered at MSP 2026-06-10, pleaded not guilty, in custody. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2026-06-10 |
| Said Shafii Farah vendor operator (Bushra Wholesalers); juror bribery co-conspirator | Bushra Wholesalers LLC Minneapolis, MN | Acquitted on all nine fraud counts at the 2024 trial, then pleaded guilty to conspiring with his brothers to bribe a juror in that trial. | acquitted 2024-06-07 | acquitted Acquitted of the meal fraud; awaiting sentencing on the juror-bribery guilty plea. | Sahan Journal verdict report, 2024-06-07 |
| Salim Ahmed Said site/vendor operator (Safari Restaurant co-owner) | Safari Restaurant Minneapolis, MN | Co-owned Safari Restaurant, a purported meal site/vendor that drew more than $16M in program funds; tried jointly with Bock. loss $16.0M | convicted at trial 2025-03-19 | convicted at trial, awaiting sentence In custody awaiting sentencing; sentencing moved from 2026-05-18 to late October 2026; prosecutors seek 40 years. | Sahan Journal verdict report, 2025-03-19 |
Child Care Assistance Program 2 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fozia Sheik Ali child-care center operator | Salama Child Care Center Minneapolis, MN | From 2013 to 2015 overstated attendance (sometimes by 400 percent) and billed CCAP for closed days, about $1.45M. loss $1.4M | pleaded guilty 2017-05 | 24 months (2.0 yrs); restitution $1.4M Sentenced January 2018; sentence long since served. Sentencing details from secondary accounts; DOJ charging release is the primary source linked. | DOJ USAO-MN charging press release, 2017-01 |
| Khadra Abdisafad Hirsi day-care director and co-owner | Ace DayCare Center, Inc. Eden Prairie, MN | From 2011 to 2013 submitted CCAP billing forms inflating the number of children served, taking about $300,000. loss $300,000 | pleaded guilty 2015-02-04 | 12 months; restitution $300,000 Sentenced 2015-08-06 to one year and one day by Judge Donovan Frank; long since served. | FBI Minneapolis / DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2015-08-06 |
Autism services 2 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asha Farhan Hassan autism-center owner (EIDBI) and meal-site operator | Smart Therapy LLC Minneapolis, MN | Recruited Somali children (some without autism diagnoses) with $300-$1,500 monthly kickbacks to parents and billed EIDBI about $14M, plus $465,000 from a Feeding Our Future meal site. loss $14.5M | pleaded guilty 2025-12-18 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence; restitution $16.0M First autism-fraud defendant; awaiting sentencing, guideline 70 to 87 months; free pending sentencing. | DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-09-24 |
| Abdinajib Hassan Yussuf autism-center owner (EIDBI) | Star Autism Center LLC St. Cloud, MN | Recruited Somali children without diagnoses, used unqualified staff and paid cash kickbacks to parents to bill EIDBI about $6M; bought a semi-truck and sent $200,000 to Kenya. loss $6.0M | pleaded guilty 2026-03-02 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; about 5 years reported as exposure. | KSTP report, 2026-03-03 |
Home and community-based services (state prosecution) 1 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdifatah Yusuf home-care agency owner | Promise Health Services LLC Minneapolis, MN | State alleged Promise Health, run from a Central Avenue mailbox, billed $7.2M in waivered services with forged documentation; jury convicted in August 2025 but the judge entered acquittal. loss $7.2M | acquitted 2025-11-20 | acquitted Hennepin County Judge Sarah West set aside the jury verdict for insufficient evidence; Attorney General appealing. | Minnesota Lawyer report, 2025-12-02 |
Housing Stabilization 13 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdifitah Mohamud Mohamed HSS provider co-owner | Brilliant Minds Services LLC St. Paul, MN | Co-ran Brilliant Minds, which billed Medicaid about $2.2M in HSS claims for unprovided or inflated services. loss $2.2M | pleaded guilty 2026-07 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-07-23 |
| Ahmed Abdirashid Mohamed HSS provider co-owner | Pristine Health LLC St. Paul, MN | Co-owner of Pristine Health, which billed Medicaid $820,000 for HSS services never provided. loss $500,000 | pleaded guilty 2026-10-01 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; maximum 20 years. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-10-01 |
| Anthony Waddell Jefferson HSS provider owner (Philadelphia 'fraud tourist') | Chozen Runner LLC Minneapolis, MN | Flew in from Philadelphia, marketed 'The Housing Guys' at shelters, enrolled about 230 beneficiaries and used ChatGPT to fabricate notes; with Brown took about $3.5M. loss $3.5M | pleaded guilty 2026-02-09 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline 5 to 6.5 years. | FOX 9 report, 2026-02-09 |
| Anwar Ahmed Adow HSS provider owner | Liberty Plus LLC Roseville, MN | Liberty Plus inflated HSS service hours to collect more than $1.2M from Medicaid. loss $1.2M | pleaded guilty 2025-10-23 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence First guilty plea in the HSS cases; awaiting sentencing. | Center of the American Experiment, 2025-10-24 |
| Asad Ahmed Adow HSS provider owner | Leo Human Services LLC Brooklyn Park, MN | Leo Human Services collected about $2.7M by billing Medicaid for HSS hours not provided. loss $2.7M | pleaded guilty 2025-11-17 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; second HSS guilty plea. | KSTP report, 2025-11 |
| Christopher Adesoji Falade HSS provider principal | Faladcare Inc. | Faladcare billed Medicaid about $2.2M for housing-stabilization services that were not delivered. loss $2.2M | pending | pending No plea or trial outcome found as of 2026-10-03. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-09-18 |
| Emmanuel Oluwademilade Falade HSS provider principal | Faladcare Inc. | Faladcare billed Medicaid about $2.2M for housing-stabilization services that were not delivered. loss $2.2M | pending | pending No plea or trial outcome found as of 2026-10-03. | IRS-CI mirror of DOJ USAO-MN press release, 2025-09-18 |
| Hassan Ahmed Hussein HSS provider owner | Pristine Health LLC St. Paul, MN | Pristine Health enrolled about 90 beneficiaries (some without consent) and billed Medicaid $820,000 for HSS services never provided; proceeds spent on travel to London, Dubai, Istanbul and elsewhere. loss $500,000 | pleaded guilty 2026-09-24 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; maximum 20 years. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-10-01 |
| Kaamil Omar Sallah HSS provider owner | SafeLodgings Inc. | Claimed to have personally delivered more than 3,600 billable HSS hours in 2024; about $1.3M in fraudulent claims alleged. loss $1.3M | fugitive | fugitive Reported to have fled the country (Star Tribune, 2025-12); no appearance found. | Star Tribune report, 2025-12-18 |
| Khalid Ahmed Dayib HSS provider co-owner | Brilliant Minds Services LLC St. Paul, MN | Co-ran Brilliant Minds, which billed Medicaid about $2.2M in HSS claims for unprovided or inflated services. loss $2.2M | pleaded guilty 2026-07 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-07-23 |
| Lester Brown HSS provider owner (Philadelphia 'fraud tourist') | Retsel Real Estate LLC Minneapolis, MN | With Jefferson, ran two Minnesota HSS companies from Philadelphia and submitted $3.5M in fabricated claims. loss $3.5M | pleaded guilty 2026-02-09 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline 3.5 to 4.5 years. | FOX 9 report, 2026-02-09 |
| Moktar Hassan Aden HSS provider owner | Brilliant Minds Services LLC St. Paul, MN | Enrolled about 350 Medicaid recipients leaving treatment and billed roughly $2.2M for housing-stabilization services never provided, using AI tools to fabricate records. loss $2.2M | pleaded guilty 2026-07 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; up to about 5.25 years exposure reported. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-07-23 |
| Mustafa Dayib Ali HSS provider co-owner | Brilliant Minds Services LLC St. Paul, MN | Co-ran Brilliant Minds, which billed Medicaid about $2.2M in HSS claims for unprovided or inflated services. loss $2.2M | pleaded guilty 2026-07 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing. | DOJ OPA press release, 2026-07-23 |
Personal care assistance (state prosecution) 1 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdiweli Mohamud nominal owner of PCA agency | Minnesota Home Health Care LLC Minneapolis, MN | State alleged he let excluded provider Abdirashid Said control Minnesota Home, which received $1.8M in Medicaid funds for undocumented or unsupervised PCA services. loss $1.8M | dismissed | dismissed Charges dismissed by Hennepin County Judge Hilary Caligiuri (reported late 2025). | Minnesota Attorney General release, 2024-06-19 |
May 2026 takedown 15 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdulbasit Ibrahim HSS provider co-owner | Vitality Health Services, LLC Minneapolis, MN | Co-operator of Vitality Health Services in the $975,000 HSS scheme. loss $975,000 | pleaded guilty 2026-07-21 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline about 2 to 2.5 years reported. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Ahmed Othman Kadar ICS provider owner | Ultimate Home Health LLC Rosemount, MN | Rented an 11-unit building to house Medicaid recipients, billed $1.4M in Integrated Community Supports not provided (including the day before a recipient was found dead) and left tenants without heat. loss $1.4M | pending | pending Indicted (26-cr-102); no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Candice Langley HSS provider owner (Philadelphia) | Candice Carene, Inc. Minneapolis, MN | Philadelphia model who registered as a Minnesota HSS provider and billed about $988,000 in inflated or fabricated claims with Allen. loss $988,282 | pleaded guilty 2026-07-16 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; up to 56 months reported. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Charles Wayne Healey IHS provider owner | Healey Homes Blue Earth, MN | Billed $22.7M in Individualized Home Supports from 2021-2025 in residences he owned, which Medicaid prohibits, charging recipients below-market rent in exchange for being billed. loss $22.7M | pending | pending Indicted (26-cr-100); no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Cynthia Allen HSS provider owner (Philadelphia) | Cynthia Allen Servicing Company, LLC Minneapolis, MN | Philadelphia actress who registered as a Minnesota HSS provider, shared staff with Langley, inflated hours and billed about $2.5M; the pair were paid about $3.5M. loss $2.5M | pleaded guilty 2026-07-16 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; up to 56 months reported. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Deborah Hodges HSS provider owner (Philadelphia) | House of Heroes, Inc. | Billed Medicaid $5.3M for in-person HSS visits never made, including while clients were in inpatient treatment, with falsified case notes. loss $5.2M | pending | pending Indicted; no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Fahima Egeh Mahamud day-care owner (CCAP) and meal-site operator (Feeding Our Future defendant No. 79) | Future Leaders Early Learning Center Minneapolis, MN | Inflated meal claims (~$854,000) under Feeding Our Future and falsely certified CCAP co-payment collection to draw about $4.6M in child-care reimbursements. loss $5.5M | pleaded guilty 2026-07-09 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; prosecutors alleged she tried to leave the country after closing the center. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Hanaan Mursal Yusuf EIDBI Level II provider / lead biller | Smart Therapy Center LLC Minneapolis, MN | Submitted Smart Therapy's Medicaid claims in the $46.6M EIDBI scheme and helped move funds overseas. loss $21.2M | pending | pending Indicted; no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Ibrahim Bashir Abdi HSS provider co-owner | North Home Health Care LLC; South Home Health Care LLC Minneapolis, MN | Co-conspirator with Omar in $3.3M of fabricated HSS billing. loss $3.2M | pending | pending Indicted; no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Jillaine Ann Mertens child-care center owner (Great Start Compensation program) | Creative Stars Academy; Tree of Life Rochester / Kasson / Ramsey, MN | Submitted monthly GSCSPP applications listing at least 23 phantom employees and inflated classroom hours, drawing about $426,000. loss $426,382 | pleaded guilty | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Pleaded guilty by 2026-07-09; sentencing not set; guideline 21 to 27 months; agreed to forfeit proceeds. | FOX 9 report, 2026-07-09 |
| Katherin Suzan Larsen-Guthmiller IHS provider co-operator | Healey Homes Blue Earth, MN | Co-operated Healey Homes in the $22.7M provider-controlled-residence IHS scheme. loss $22.7M | pending | pending Indicted; no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Muhammad Abdulqadir Omar HSS provider owner | North Home Health Care LLC; South Home Health Care LLC Roseville, MN | Submitted $3.3M in HSS claims for unrendered or inflated services and falsified records for insurers; jumped from a fourth-floor balcony when agents came to arrest him. loss $3.2M | pending | pending Briefly at large on arrest day, then taken into custody; no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Mustafa Dayib HSS provider co-owner | Vitality Health Services, LLC Minneapolis, MN | Vitality Health Services was paid about $975,000 (Jan 2023-Jul 2025) for HSS services never rendered, backed by exaggerated hours and falsified client notes. loss $975,000 | pleaded guilty 2026-07-21 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing (distinct from Brilliant Minds defendant Mustafa Dayib Ali). | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Shamso Ahmed Hassan undisclosed owner of two autism centers (EIDBI) | Smart Therapy Center LLC; Star Autism Center LLC Minneapolis / St. Cloud, MN | Held hidden ownership in Smart Therapy and Star Autism, paid kickbacks to families and billed EIDBI $46.6M (about $21.2M paid) for unneeded or unprovided services; described by DOJ as the largest Medicaid autism fraud case ever charged. loss $21.2M | pending | pending Pleaded not guilty; case 26-cr-99 (D. Minn.). | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
| Sharmaine Meadows HSS provider owner | Cradle of Love, LLC Lake Elmo, MN | Directed staff to bill the maximum HSS hours every week regardless of services; $4.3M billed, about $3.7M paid. loss $3.7M | pending | pending Indicted; no plea found. | DOJ Criminal Division 2026 Minnesota HCF case summaries, updated 2026-07-29 |
Substance-use treatment (Evergreen Recovery) 3 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Heim chief financial officer / billing designer | Evergreen Recovery St. Paul, MN | Designed Evergreen's attendance and billing practices and admitted conspiring to overbill Medicaid for services not provided. loss $5.6M | pleaded guilty 2025-10-22 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline 21 to 27 months, cooperating. | Minnesota Attorney General release, 2025-10-22 |
| Shantel Magadanz chief executive officer | Evergreen Recovery St. Paul, MN | Admitted joining an all-night record-falsification session and overbilling Medicaid for treatment not provided; plea loss $5,625,272. loss $5.6M | pleaded guilty 2025-10-22 | pleaded guilty, awaiting sentence Awaiting sentencing; guideline 21 to 27 months, cooperating. | Minnesota Attorney General release, 2025-10-22 |
| Shawn Grygo owner of treatment provider | Evergreen Recovery St. Paul, MN | Alleged to have led a multi-year overbilling of DHS and UCare for addiction treatment not delivered, with kickback-linked sober housing; prosecutors cite more than $30M drained. loss $30.0M | pending | pending Pleaded not guilty; trial reported set for November 2026. | Minnesota Attorney General release, 2024-12-20 |
Personal care assistance / home care (state prosecution) 1 defendants
| Defendant | Business, location | Scheme | Disposition | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Abdirashid Omarxeyd home-care agency owner | Guardian Home Health Services Minneapolis, MN | Billed Medicaid more than $3M (2020-2024) for PCA, companion, homemaking, respite, IHS and community-support services not provided or ineligible; paid recipients while billing in their names. loss $3.0M | pending | pending Charged by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; no disposition found. | Minnesota Attorney General release, 2026-01-14 |