A new indictment fits into Minnesota’s broad wave of fraud probes tied to pandemic-era social programs, including the Feeding Our Future case that allegedly siphoned hundreds of millions from child nutrition and related services.

Prosecutors say the defendants had no Minnesota ties and operated from across the country, reflecting a pattern of misappropriation that has drawn scrutiny over roughly $18 billion in investigated social-program spending and over $1 billion in taxpayer losses since 2018.

The wider probe alleges a scheme that diverted about $250 million in federal child-nutrition funds and involved related fraud across Housing Stabilization and autism services.

Two Philadelphia-based individuals, Jefferson and Brown, are identified in the case; Jefferson is linked to Brewerytown and The Housing Guys, while Brown formed a Philadelphia real estate entity in 2021.

Court records were not immediately available as the case develops, and it remained unclear whether either defendant had secured counsel.

This indictment comes amid an ongoing wave of prosecutions, with 62 defendants convicted in related cases and about 90 charged across probes.

Authorities emphasize that these cases reflect ongoing enforcement efforts and a public interest in safeguarding the integrity of social programs.

The defendants allegedly used a housing-and-services company to serve Medicaid-eligible individuals without Minnesota connections, underscoring cross-state fraud risks.

U.S. Attorney statements stress the real harm to taxpayers and vulnerable populations, urging continued vigilance and enforcement.

Investigators say the defendants flew between Philadelphia and Minneapolis to recruit beneficiaries and file fake claims, potentially undermining trust in Housing Stabilization Services.

While Feeding Our Future previously connected to Minnesota’s Somali community, current indictments note Jefferson and Brown have no such ties.

A separate indictment charges Abdinajib Hassan Yussef with diverting about $6 million from autism-family funds, including a vehicle purchase, illustrating misdirection of program dollars.