Recent content from Jeffrey Meitrodt
Aimee Bock, Salim Said found guilty on all counts in Feeding Our Future fraud trial
After just about five hours of deliberation, the jury found the two defendants guilty and they were taken into custody immediately.
Defiant con artists or victims tricked by peers? Attorneys make their final case in Feeding Our Future trial
After more than five weeks of testimony, a jury will now deliberate on a verdict in the trial of Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock and co-defendant Salim Said.
Safari Restaurant owner said he was entitled to huge profits in meals program
Salim Said admitted making as much as $1.2 million on a $75,000 investment. "That's my living," he testified.
Jurors see evidence of food in Feeding Our Future trial, but eyewitness won't verify sky-high meal counts
A photographer paid almost $200,000 for shooting videos testified that he saw "lots" of meals served but couldn't put a number on it.
'I didn't have a clue,' Feeding Our Future leader says when asked about fraud
Aimee Bock said she was unaware of inflated meal counts because she left the review of such records to her underlings.
Feeding Our Future leader Aimee Bock deflects blame for oversight of meal program at center of fraud scheme
Not only does Aimee Bock deny participating in the scheme, she said she was the one who called out "red flags" about meal operators.
Feeding Our Future leader Aimee Bock testifies in her own defense in trial
Over the objections of her attorney, Aimee Book took the witness stand. The founder of Feeding Our Future has long denied any wrongdoing in fraud investigation.
FBI: Minneapolis restaurant granted lucrative 'favors' by Feeding Our Future
Safari owner spent less than 5% of federal money on food for kids in need while splurging on $1 million Plymouth home and other luxury items, feds say.
Feeding Our Future leader bragged she knew 'how to make money' as FBI closed in on fraud investigation
An FBI forensic accountant testified Tuesday that Aimee Bock cashed in on the fraud scheme by soliciting donations from her site operators.
Woman accused of bribe in Feeding Our Future trial got at least $1.6 million as 'fake' vendor, new records show
New court documents unsealed Tuesday show that Ladan Mohamed Ali received at least $1.6 million from other entities involved in the massive fraud scheme.
'We may have become the mob,' Feeding Our Future founder said in texts, FBI agent testifies
An FBI agent testified in court Monday that Aimee Bock continued to approve millions of dollars in federal reimbursements despite employees' concerns.
'Mafia'-like intimidation prompts federal judge to jail Feeding Our Future defendant
"I've been a judge for 31 years ... I have never seen anything close to this in Minnesota," the federal judge said in the case.
Nonprofit leader says Feeding Our Future taught him how to defraud government in exchange for $30K in monthly kickbacks
"She ruined my life," says Mohamed Hussein, who is facing up to five years in prison for stealing millions in government money meant for needy children.
Minneapolis cafe owner says Feeding Our Future founder demanded $1.5 million in cash to keep fraud scam going
Hanna Marekegn, who pleaded guilty in the fraud scheme, also testified Tuesday that she paid $150,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee.
Feeding Our Future defendant accused of witness tampering is jailed
Abdinasir Abshir was arrested Monday for allegedly tampering with a witness about to testify in the trial.
Feeding Our Future founder lied to the state to keep fraud rolling, FBI agent testifies in trial
FBI surveillance shows meal site controlled by Feeding Our Future leader Aimee Bock had no visitors on days her nonprofit claimed to be handing out 4,000 meals.
Feeding Our Future trial rocked by witness-tampering allegations
New security measures were implemented in the federal trial after a defendant tried to "corrupt" the proceedings.
In fraud trial, St. Paul school official says meal reports from Feeding Our Future site don't add up
The St. Paul school leader told the federal jury in the fourth day of testimony that Feeding Our Future's meal claims weren't realistic.
Secret camera shows Safari could not have fed thousands of kids daily, says FBI agent in Feeding Our Future trial
The south Minneapolis restaurant was making more off the meals program than from its regular business, he testified.
Faribault restaurant owner testifies Feeding Our Future founder knew about $30K in monthly kickbacks
Lul Bashir Ali testified Tuesday in the fraud trial of Aimee Bock, the Feeding Our Future executive director, and a co-defendant.
'Relentless' fraudster or victim? Trial of Feeding Our Future leader opens with competing stories
Prosecutors and defense attorneys gave opening statements in the trial of Aimee Bock and Salim Said.
Alleged ringleader in $250 million meals fraud case goes on trial this week
Aimee Bock, the leader of Feeding Our Future, will go on trial this week with another defendant in the fraud case.
STEP Academy wins reprieve from regulators while Athlos Academy of St. Cloud faces loss of its charter
Lower-than-expected enrollment continues to challenge both Minnesota charter schools, but STEP staffers are breathing easier now that its deficit has eased.
2024 was a record year for charter school failures. Even more could face termination this year.
A new Star Tribune review found that 10 charter schools could face termination.
Regulators make it easy for Minnesota's failing charter schools to stay open
According to a new Minnesota Star Tribune review of more than 200 charter school evaluations, nonprofits that oversee them routinely overlooked problems to renew their contracts.
Four takeaways from the Star Tribune's review of charter school evaluations
The Star Tribune reviewed more than 200 charter school evaluations. Here's what we found.
Charter school regulators refuse to turn over records involving troubled Minnesota schools
Nonprofits that oversee charter schools argue that they don't need to comply with state law requiring disclosing public records.
Oops. Officials at troubled charter school admit $2 million budget blunder
STEP Academy has a $34,000 deficit, not $2 million as initially reported. But the charter school, one of Minnesota's largest, still faces financial problems.
STEP Academy leaders resign as charter school faces financial collapse
If STEP Academy, a charter school with campuses in St. Paul and Burnsville, shuts down, it would be the largest charter school failure in Minnesota history.
One of state's largest charter schools is at war with regulators, on brink of collapse
STEP Academy, which has campuses in St. Paul and Burnsville, faces a deep financial crisis.
Troubled charter school closes in Minneapolis
LoveWorks Academy for Arts closed abruptly this month in Minneapolis after years of low academic scores and struggling finances.
![The Minnesota Internship Center is seen in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. ] AYRTON BRECKENRIDGE • ayrton.breckenridge@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/34CDD3RSV5BHNMGSRUFPNRTKA4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
State Education Department fails to turn over charter schools data to Minnesota Star Tribune
The Star Tribune requested data last February. The agency still hasn't turned over more than 2,000 files.
Most Minnesota charter schools are failing to make good on their promises
Minnesota created charter schools to be more independent than their public school counterparts, allowing them to innovate and better help struggling students. But the lack of oversight often leads to financial mismanagement and fewer resources when things go wrong.
How Rhode Island's charter schools succeeded where Minnesota's failed
Rhode Island leads the nation in charter school performance. Advocates say adopting some of Rhode Island's methods might help Minnesota's struggling charter school system.
When Minnesota charter schools fail, vulnerable students pay the price
Hundreds of Minnesota students are caught up each year in the often sudden shuttering of charter schools. School leaders say the closings create a cycle that sets more schools and students up for failure.
Twin Cities charter school fraud took place under direction of school's current leader, former employees say
The Minnesota Internship Center had 4% attendance and 5% graduation rates, while its leader took co-workers to Topgolf, according to state records and interviews with school insiders.
Minnesota charter school loses $1.3 million in state funding over inflated enrollment
The Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the decision to pull funding from the Minnesota Internship Center; a school leader said administrators involved in falsifying records are gone.
Teachers approve new contract in Anoka-Hennepin school district
The deal would use up most of district's share of a recent state boost in education funding.
Legislators want to hire experts to diagnose Minnesota's ailing child protection system
The proposal is one of several, including another pushing for a statewide child abuse hotline, in response to the Star Tribune's investigation that showed widespread problems.
Student hospitalized after stabbing at Minnetonka High School
The school says student was struck with an "art tool."
Tentative deal with teachers could result in staff cuts at Anoka-Hennepin
"Monumental" contribution from state not enough to fund raises at Minnesota's largest school district
Meltdown of prominent CPA firm comes amid crisis for Minnesota charter schools
One owner's theft led to the demise of The Anton Group, which worked for dozens of charter schools across the state, where there is a shortage of firms to help with finances.
Who should lead in protecting Minnesota's abused children?
A Star Tribune series exposed failings in the county-run child protection system, but advocates on Thursday cautioned against the problems of a state-run system.
Legislators seek ways to reform state's child protection system
The discussion about remaking the system comes after a Star Tribune investigation showing hundreds of Minnesota kids are harmed each year after being returned home.
Legislators vow to reform Minnesota's child protection system
"Tough questions need to be asked" about oversight, use of Family Assessment and funding for case workers.
'I could have lived a normal life': Minnesota child abuse victim says protection system failed her
There were 41 reports of abuse and neglect involving Jayma Lawson and her two siblings between 2004 and 2021. Just seven led to investigations. More than half resulted in no action or were referred to a controversial alternative pathway in the Minnesota child protection system.
Kay Emel-Powell, a real-life Betty Crocker, dies at 76
As a cookbook author, she developed and tested recipes for home cooks.
Richard Robinson, a Hall of Fame coach and mentor, dies at 87
In addition to football, Robinson coached boys and girls basketball and track.
The latest chapter in the 3M Bair Hugger litigation: A motion to remove a federal judge
Four years after a federal judge unsuccessfully tried to dismiss lawsuits suing 3M because of its patient-warming device, lawyers of more than 5,000 plaintiffs are trying to boot her from overseeing the stalled litigation.
Disgraced Twin Cities lawyer faces tougher punishment for sexually harassing employees
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled a six-month suspension for Clayton Halunen is "inadequate" discipline.
Judge issues stern ruling in feud among one of Minnesota's richest families over $1B estate
The judge concluded that the daughter of pharmaceutical pioneer Ken Evenstad should receive a fraction of the $228 million she sought.
One of state's richest families feuds over $1 billion estate
The five-year legal battle over the Evenstad fortune will culminate in a court ruling later this month, more than a year after testimony in the case concluded.
State revokes licenses of two day-care centers linked to meal program fraud
Department of Human Services officials said they have not completed their investigation of all 50 who have been charged in the meals fraud probe.
John Risdall, ad man who helped create Desert Eagle pistol, dies at 77
Advertising agency founder known among employees, colleagues for generosity, entrepreneurial grit.
![Owner of Cambria, Marty Davis, photographed on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 in Le Sueur, Minn. ] RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER • renee.jones@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OCXPA5UB2QID45ZAQDZOZGKD3Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota businessman Marty Davis met Trump, pushed Meadows to fight 2020 election loss
In texts and a White House meeting, Cambria owner urged Trump to fight outcome, vowed 2024 support, a political news site reported.
Figures linked to meals fraud case continue to collect millions in daycare support
DHS officials said they are reviewing ties to everyone charged in the probe but added they can't ban anyone from participating in the department's programs based on unrelated fraud allegations.
Could Minnesota officials have stopped Feeding our Future fraud sooner?
Minnesota's attorney general questions why the federal investigation took so long. But a spokesman said the office could have done more investigating itself.
Twin Cities lawyer faces discipline after sexually harassing 2 employees
Case is raising new questions about the state Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility.
Larry Nelson, co-founder of St. Anthony Main and retailing pioneer, dies at 79
Larry Nelson took an old mattress factory and helped turn it into one of the premiere shopping and dining destinations in the Twin Cities.
Timeline of Feeding Our Future investigation
Here are key events in the history of the nonprofit and its indicted director, Aimee Bock.
For Feeding Our Future leader, an unlikely path to scandal
Self-professed "rule follower" Aimee Bock has become the face of a $250 million food fraud case
Feeding Our Future charges lead to dispute over 2021 case
At issue is a 2021 lawsuit that led the Minnesota Department of Education to resume payments to Feeding Our Future, the nonprofit that federal prosecutors say was used to orchestrate a $250 million scheme to defraud the federal government of money meant to feed poor children.
How authorities allege Feeding Our Future fraud unfolded
Feeding Our Future, led by founder and executive director Aimee Bock, is accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from entities in exchange for sponsoring applications for the federal child nutrition program.
![U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger today announced a significant COVID-related fraud case based in Minnesota Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 Minneapolis, Minn. ] GLEN](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HWQVXBJPIZO3L33LEXPT2X5GXU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Feeding Our Future founder among 48 charged in $250M fraud
Prosecutors say co-conspirators falsely claimed to serve 125 million meals around the state, but instead pocketed federal money for lavish personal expenses.
GOP senator: Education Department's 'derelictions of duty' led to fraud
His report said department leaders "either did not know how to responsibly manage" the federally funded meals program or "found the faithful execution of those duties burdensome and optional."
Lawsuit: Minnesota Department of Education targeted one nonprofit to help another
Partners in Nutrition, which operates as Partners in Quality Care, claims department regulators have forced most of its meal-providing subcontractors to flee the organization
Solar installer sentenced to six months for swindling dozens of clients
Michael Harvey, owner of Able Energy, also must repay customers at least $750,000.
Father sues Dakota County for ignoring warning signs that led to son's death
Suit contends workers ignored warning signs that Eli Hart's mother was mentally ill. She was later charged with killing the boy.
Minnesotans face the 'insanity' of gas at nearly $5 per gallon
Heading into the July 4th weekend, drivers are reducing travel and making other changes to deal with record gas prices.
During milestone Pride parade, calls for political activism
Democratic leaders say recent developments are alarming and must be matched by political action.
Exhibit director who brought sense of theater to Science Museum, expanded its reach dies at 69
Paul Maurer was a big believer in interactive exhibits.
Allegations tangled custody case of boy found slain in mom's car
Eli Hart's mother won custody of her son despite concerns about her mental health. The case highlights what family law attorneys say is a system that can be manipulated by a parent bent on winning custody at all costs.
Mental health records sought by lawyer representing woman accused of killing 6-year-old son
Julissa Thaler won custody of son despite recent concerns over mental problems, court records show
