Verdict Details

A significant development unfolded in the Feeding Our Future trial in federal court, as five out of seven individuals faced with charges have been found guilty on multiple counts. The trial centered around a scheme to embezzle over $40 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program. The jury rendered their decision after several days of deliberation, with the following outcomes:

• Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, 35, of Savage, found guilty on 23 of 24 counts, with one count of wire fraud resulting in acquittal.
• Mohamed Jama Ismail, 51, of Savage, convicted on three out of four counts, with a single wire fraud charge leading to a not-guilty verdict.
• Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, 23, of Shakopee, found guilty on 10 of 13 counts, with three counts of money laundering resulting in acquittal.
• Said Shafii Farah and Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin acquitted on all charges.
• Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, 33, of Bloomington, guilty on three out of six counts.
• Hayat Mohamed Nur, 27, of Eden Prairie, convicted on three out of five counts.

Fraud Scheme Details

The group was accused of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, among other charges, related to the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the convicted individuals orchestrated a $40 million fraud scheme, diverting funds earmarked for providing meals to children in need.

Prosecution’s Reaction

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson expressed satisfaction with the verdict, condemning the defendants’ actions. Thompson emphasized how they exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to perpetrate their fraud, describing their conduct as not just criminal but also depraved and brazen.

Law Enforcement Response

Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston of FBI Minneapolis condemned the exploitation of programs designed to aid vulnerable communities, emphasizing that justice would be swift and severe for those found guilty of such crimes.

Future Proceedings

While sentencing hearings are pending, this verdict serves as a stern warning to others engaged in fraudulent activities. The trial marks a significant step in what federal prosecutors have labeled as one of the nation’s largest COVID-19-related fraud cases, with 18 individuals having already pleaded guilty out of a total of 70 defendants.

Attempted Juror Bribe Adds Controversy to Trial

Unprecedented Bribe Attempt

The Feeding Our Future trial faced a shocking turn of events during deliberations when two jurors were dismissed due to an attempted bribe, described as unprecedented by a former Hennepin County judge. One juror, aged 23, reported an alleged bribe attempt where a woman purportedly delivered $120,000 in cash to influence a not-guilty verdict. Another juror was released after learning about the incident from a family member.

Federal Investigation Underway

Law enforcement swiftly intervened, sequestering the remaining jurors to safeguard against further attempts or undue influence. The bag of cash was seized as evidence, triggering a federal investigation into attempted bribery and jury tampering.

Defendant’s Involvement

The seven defendants were apprehended and booked, given their potential knowledge of the jurors’ identities. Abdiaziz Farah, one of the defendants, had his residence searched by the FBI following the attempted bribe.

Trial Continues Amid Deliberations on 43 Counts

Ongoing Deliberations

As the trial progresses, jurors deliberate on 43 counts related to the scam trial. NEWS.ORG 9’s Rob Olson provides updates on this developing story.

In the midst of these proceedings, the legal system grapples with the complexities of ensuring justice while preserving the integrity of the judicial process.

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