First seven of 70 defendants in alleged $250m Covid relief funds scam go to trial

Prosecutors say the seven stole more than $40m from a program meant to provide meals to children in Minnesota

Opening statements are expected on Monday in the fraud trial of seven people charged in what federal prosecutors have called a massive scheme to exploit lax rules during the Covid-19 pandemic and steal from a program meant to provide meals to children in Minnesota.

The seven will be the first of 70 defendants to go on trial in the alleged scam. Eighteen others have already pleaded guilty.