MINNEAPOLIS—The “staggering” amount of taxpayer dollars siphoned from Minnesota’s social welfare programs by fraud could exceed $9 billion, according to longtime federal prosecutor Joe Thompson.
Yet Thompson, first assistant U.S. attorney in his native state, said the costs extend beyond that eye-popping amount.
“It’s not just about the money that’s been stolen and wasted,“ Thompson said during a Dec. 18 news conference. ”This is a problem that’s caused all of us to question what kind of state we live in. I think it’s eroded our sense of collective statewide self-esteem and confidence.”
Along with a small staff, Thompson has led prosecutions against dozens of alleged fraudsters in three distinct schemes thus far—and counting.
Lamenting the financial and emotional impact on his constituents, state Sen. Eric Lucero, a Republican, said, “We’re the epicenter of fraud and national embarrassment.” ---More...