Feeding Our Future Founder Found Guilty in Pandemic Fraud Scheme

Aimee Bock, the founder of Feeding Our Future, was found guilty in a high-profile pandemic fraud trial, with a jury delivering a series of guilty verdicts during a recent hearing. The case has been described by prosecutors as the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States.

The Charges and Verdicts

Bock and her co-defendant, Salim Said, were accused of orchestrating a scheme that diverted tens of millions of dollars from funds intended to feed hungry children. After a thorough examination of the evidence and closing arguments presented by the prosecution, the jury deliberated for approximately five hours before reaching multiple guilty verdicts. The counts included conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. Every charge put forth by the prosecution resulted in a guilty verdict.

In response to the verdicts, the judge ruled that Bock and Said would remain in custody, expressing concerns that their "fraud scene was premised on deception." The court cited the possibility that they might use similar tactics to evade justice. The judge commented on the defendants' "patterns of deception and an absolute inability to comply with authority."

The Role of Salim Said

Salim Said, identified as the owner and operator of Safari Restaurant, was implicated in the fraudulent scheme, with prosecutors stating that his business received more than $16 million in fraudulent funds. The prosecution argued that Said had fabricated meal counts, rosters, and invoices, which Bock then submitted to the state department for funding. Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry Jacobs emphasized the collaborative nature of the fraud, asserting that Bock and Said "worked together every step of the way to carry out this fraud scheme," adding that they both profited from their illicit activities.

In response to the allegations, Bock's attorney maintained that she was unaware of any fraudulent activities taking place. Meanwhile, Said's attorney claimed that others had exploited his legitimate business for fraud purposes. The defendants are among 70 individuals charged in connection with the scheme, with approximately 30 others pleading guilty and five others being convicted.

Witness Tampering and Bribery Attempt

Earlier this year, a separate defendant in the Feeding Our Future case admitted to witness tampering in relation to a $120,000 bribery attempt targeting a juror. According to documents, the defendant allegedly flew in from Seattle in May 2024, followed a juror home after the first day of closing arguments, and subsequently handed a bag containing cash to the juror's relative, with promises of more money if the juror voted to acquit all the defendants.

The Investigation and Reporting

Jonah Kaplan, an investigative reporter for WCCO and CBS News Minnesota, has been closely following the developments of this high-impact case. With a track record of balanced and in-depth coverage of critical issues such as the economy, immigration, education, public safety, and the military, Kaplan has provided comprehensive insights into the ongoing legal proceedings.

The Feeding Our Future fraud case has garnered significant attention due to the scale of the alleged fraudulent activities and the implications for programs designed to support vulnerable children. The guilty verdicts against Aimee Bock and Salim Said mark a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the funds that were misappropriated under the guise of feeding needy children.

As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, further developments and potential appeals may shape the trajectory of this high-profile case. The ramifications of the Feeding Our Future fraud case will likely resonate within both legal and social spheres as authorities work to ensure accountability for the abuse of funds intended for nourishing the most vulnerable members of society.