Five individuals accused of offering a juror $120,000 in cash during Feeding Our Future fraud trial

Five individuals have been indicted for attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 during the Feeding Our Future fraud trial in Minneapolis. The defendants targeted the 23-year-old juror, the youngest and only juror of color, with the intent of influencing the outcome of the trial, which involved the theft of $40 million in federal funds meant for feeding children during the pandemic. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger described the bribery attempt as a “chilling attack on our justice system.” The defendants tracked the juror’s information online and orchestrated a scheme to offer her money to acquit the seven defendants. The five individuals, who are currently in custody, have been charged with conspiracy to bribe a juror, bribery of a juror, and corruptly influencing a juror. One of the defendants was also charged with obstruction of justice. The fraud scheme is estimated to have diverted $250 million in federal funds, with 45 more individuals expected to go on trial. The founder of the nonprofit involved has maintained her innocence. The defendants are accused of using the stolen money on luxury items instead of feeding low-income children. Authorities are determined to hold all involved accountable and bring them to justice.

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