Juror dismissed after corruption allegations in Feeding Our Future trial

The sixth week of the federal trial of seven people accused in the massive Feeding Our Future fraud scheme got off to a surprising start Monday, when a juror was dismissed due to corruption allegations.

According to prosecutors during the open hearing, a juror reported that a woman left a bag containing $120,000 in cash at her home and offered her more money if the juror voted to acquit. That juror was dismissed Monday.

Six men and one woman are charged in this first case stemming from the nation's largest pandemic-related aid fraud. They face various charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery worth $40 million.

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After jury selection, opening statements began in the final days of April. The defense continued its closing statements Monday after the juror was dismissed and the judge asked other jurors about illegal contacts.

In addition, the judge also seized the defendants' phones so that investigators could investigate the alleged corruption.

A search warrant application filed Monday afternoon says a woman approached the now-dismissed juror's home shortly before 9 p.m. When a relative of the juror opened the door, the woman handed him a gift bag, saying it was a gift for the juror. whom she called by name. The woman told the relative to ask the juror to say “not guilty” during the trial and that she would receive more of the gift.

The relative looked in the bag after returning inside the home and found cash totaling approximately $120,000, the warrant adds.

Prosecutors said the defendants took advantage of relaxed rules related to the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic for their own gain. Defense attorneys said many of their clients never knowingly participated in any fraud and blamed nonprofit sponsors and the state.