In a startling turn of events, a juror in a federal trial involving a pandemic relief fraud scheme has come forward with shocking allegations of attempted bribery. According to court records, the juror disclosed receiving a staggering $120,000 in cash in an apparent bid to sway the verdict and secure the acquittal of the defendants.
The trial revolves around seven individuals implicated in a purported $250 million fraud scheme linked to the Minnesota nonprofit Feeding Our Future. Prosecutors assert that the defendants exploited funds from a federal child nutrition program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, diverting them towards extravagant purchases like high-end cars and residences.
The brazen attempted bribery transpired on the eve of concluding arguments in the trial. A woman reportedly visited the residence of the juror, identified as Juror #52, presenting a gift bag laden with a substantial sum of cash to a family member. Tasked with conveying a specific message to Juror #52, the woman allegedly urged a “not guilty” vote, insinuating further monetary incentives.
Upon discovering the cash, Juror #52 wasted no time in alerting law enforcement, prompting swift action from the Spring Lake Park Police Department. The subsequent discovery of approximately $120,000 in various denominations within the gift bag prompted the FBI to intervene, assuming custody of the illicit funds and launching an investigation.
Authorities harbor suspicions that individuals linked to the defendants may have orchestrated the bribery attempt, exploiting access to the juror’s personal information. The judiciary promptly addressed the matter, resulting in Juror #52’s dismissal from the trial.
As jury deliberations commenced, another juror was excused after learning of the attempted bribery through a familial source. Meanwhile, the defendants, including Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock, maintain their innocence, steadfastly denying the allegations leveled against them.
This alarming revelation underscores the gravity of pandemic relief fraud and the pernicious lengths to which some may resort to manipulate legal proceedings. Federal authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to unraveling the truth, vowing to combat fraud and uphold the integrity of the justice system through ongoing investigations.