DOJ charges 15 in Minnesota for more than $90 million in alleged fraud

Public fraud in Minnesota became a national issue in the wake of viral reporting from independent journalist Nick Shirley.

By Ben Whedon

Published: May 21, 2026 1:08pm

The Department of Justice on Thursday announced criminal charges against 15 defendants in Minnesota linked to alleged public fraud schemes that targeted more than $90 million in taxpayer funds.

"This is the beginning of our work in Minnesota. The fraud here in Minnesota is shocking," assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald said in a press conference.

"Today's charges are unprecedented," he added. "They include the highest loss amount ever charged in a Medicaid case in Minnesota and the largest autism fraud scheme ever charged by the Department of Justice."

Public fraud in Minnesota became a national issue in the wake of viral reporting from independent journalist Nick Shirley, who documented a litany of allegedly fraudulent daycare facilities receiving public support, despite limited evidence of any legitimate activity.

The reporting coincided with an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, Minn., and led to heightened federal scrutiny over the use of public funds.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also appeared at the press conference to highlight the severity of fraud in the state's Medicaid program.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.