Two jurors have been dismissed in a major coronavirus relief fraud trial in Minnesota after attempts to bribe them with $120,000 each in exchange for voting to acquit defendants accused of defrauding the government of $250 million intended for needy children. The accused allegedly used a program called 'Feeding Our Future' to file for relief funding but few children actually received aid. The trial involves around 60 Somali migrants, with some pleading guilty and others pleading not guilty.
Key Points
Two jurors were dismissed in a high-profile coronavirus relief fraud trial in Minnesota after attempts to bribe them with $120,000 each
Around 60 Somali migrants are accused of defrauding the government of $250 million meant for needy children
The accused used the 'Feeding Our Future' program to file for relief funding but allegedly provided aid to few children
Pros
Efforts to combat fraud and corruption in government programs
Justice being served in cases of alleged exploitation
Cons
Attempted bribery of jurors compromising the trial process