The U.S. Department of Justice announced criminal charges against 15 defendants on May 21 for alleged participation in fraud schemes involving over $90 million in intended loss, targeting owners of child care centers and Medicaid providers across Minnesota.
The crackdown represents the two largest Medicaid fraud cases ever charged in the state and the largest autism fraud scheme prosecuted by federal authorities to date. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: “Today, we are holding scammers accountable who ripped off the American taxpayer and harmed those deserving legitimate assistance from these programs.”
The enforcement action directly aligns with President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance. The Justice Department emphasized that this initiative extends beyond Minnesota, allocating resources for 15 new Trial Attorney positions nationwide to combat Medicaid fraud through the expanded Health Care Fraud Section.
DOJ data shows its Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program has charged over 6,200 defendants since 2007 who collectively billed federal health programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. The Minnesota cases underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing systemic fraud in critical assistance programs while maintaining that all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.