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innesota’s “crime doesn’t pay” slogan is being tested by a $250 million fraud case that still leaves the accused and even some convicted owners holding real‑estate assets bought with stolen money. The scheme involved Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit that, per the Justice Department, opened more than 250 Federal Child Nutrition Program sites across the state. During the COVID‑19 pandemic the organization siphoned hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars by falsely claiming to serve meals to thousands of children daily.

    The federal government has called the case “a brazen scheme of staggering proportions” and the largest pandemic relief fraud charged to date. It is one of several Minnesota fraud operations that have allegedly stolen over a billion dollars in public funds. Yet a local investigation by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News found that properties purchased with the illicit proceeds have not been seized, raising questions about when the government will recover the money.

    The investigation focused on three individuals. Sharon Ross, who directed a St. Paul nonprofit linked to Feeding Our Future, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 43 months in prison. Her husband remains listed as the owner of a house that authorities say she bought with scam money. Federal prosecutors have not explained why the property has not been seized or when it might be.

    Salim Said, convicted in March on charges of wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering related to the nonprofit, also retains ownership of a home. The investigation revealed that Said used fraud proceeds to make a $952,000 down payment on the house in 2021, and he and his wife are still listed as owners.

    The case highlights a broader problem: despite convictions, the government has struggled to confiscate assets tied to pandemic relief fraud. The KSTP report notes that federal prosecutors have not provided a timeline for seizure, leaving many to wonder when the stolen funds will be returned.

    In other financial news, Dave Ramsey warns that nearly half of Americans are making a major Social Security mistake. He offers three simple steps to correct it and six quick ways to catch up on retirement savings for those approaching 50 with little saved. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos’ new low‑cost landlord program allows people to own property for as little as $100, eliminating tenant management and maintenance responsibilities.