By Janice Hisle
Contributing Writer
Criminal charges have been filed against 15 accused fraudsters in Minnesota, involving more than $90 million in taxpayers’ dollars, federal officials announced on Thursday at a news conference in Minneapolis.
“This is the beginning of our work in Minnesota,” said Colin McDonald, assistant attorney general for the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
He alleged that the suspects “systematically pilfered” seven different government-benefit programs, treating them as “their personal piggy bank.”
The latest accusations involve programs such as Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services, which was shut down because of fraud, and autism services.
“The common theme throughout these cases is fraudsters exploiting vulnerable people” and programs, McDonald said.
He said the suspects were determined to reap money no matter what the cost to others.
In one case, a client died after failing to receive care for which an alleged fraudster billed Medicaid, McDonald said.
“We will not … tolerate this greed and deceit,” he said.
In recent months, President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on fraud, producing “450 fraud-enforcement actions” nationwide, he said.
The efforts are expanding, McDonald said, announcing that 15 additional prosecutors have been hired.
“If you see something that seems too good to be true, tell us,” he said, referring to anyone in Minnesota or the rest of the United States.
McDonald noted that parents were being paid kickbacks to enroll their children in some of the programs.
He urged citizens: “Speak out. Help us win the fight against fraud.”
And he warned fraudsters: “Eat, drink, and be merry today. Because your days of frolicking and freedom are numbered.”
McDonald said he would “claw back every dollar you have stolen from the American people.”
