Minnesota Daycare Fraud: Old Problems Resurface
As federal investigators dig deeper into reports of big fraud in Minnesota daycares, a video from a 2018 case has come to light. The video shows parents signing kids into a daycare, only to leave shortly after, as part of a fraud scheme that dates back to 2015.
The video, part of a Hennepin County case, shows how some low-income parents would sign in their kids for daycare, allowing the providers to claim money for services never given. Surveillance showed that some days no kids came, but the daycares still asked the government for money.
This news comes as people are already upset about a video showing empty-looking childcare centers in Minnesota that are supposedly getting millions in state money.
The White House has called the fraud a “breathtaking failure.”
At the time the video was made public, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was facing criticism over claims that at least $1 billion was lost to social services fraud, mostly linked to a community in Minneapolis.
FBI Director Kash Patel said that more agents and resources have been sent to Minnesota to fight fraud.
Patel noted the “Feeding Our Future” investigation, which found a $250 million scheme that took federal food aid meant for kids during COVID-19.
The case has led to many indictments and convictions, and the investigation is still going on.
Patel stated, “The FBI thinks this is just the beginning. We will keep following the money and protecting children, and this investigation is far from over.”
