Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir of Lakeville, MN, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for his role in a $250 million child nutrition fraud scheme and for attempting to tamper with a trial witness during the case.
A Lakeville, Minnesota man has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to participating in a $250 million fraud scheme targeting a federal child nutrition program and for attempting to tamper with a witness during the trial of his co-defendants. Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir, 34, appeared before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel for sentencing on August 18, becoming the 23rd individual sentenced in the wide-ranging Feeding Our Future case.
According to federal prosecutors, Abshir's sentence reflects both his involvement in the large-scale fraud and his actions to obstruct justice. On February 18, 2025, during the trial of co-defendants Aimee Bock and Salim Said, Abshir approached a cooperating witness before their scheduled testimony in an effort to influence their statements and interfere with the judicial process.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
The Feeding Our Future case centers on fraudulent claims submitted to a federal child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors say Abshir and others exploited the program, which was intended to provide meals to children in need while families faced economic hardship. The scheme resulted in the theft of approximately $250 million in federal funds, making it one of the largest fraud cases involving pandemic relief programs.
Abshir pleaded guilty on March 7, 2025, admitting to his role in the conspiracy. The investigation was led by the FBI, with support from IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca E. Kline and Matthew C. Murphy prosecuted the case.
Witness Tampering and Sentencing
In addition to the fraud charges, Abshir's sentence was increased due to his attempt to tamper with a trial witness. Federal officials emphasized that interfering with witnesses undermines the justice system and carries serious consequences. The case highlights the government's commitment to protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to obstruct legal proceedings.
Abshir is the 23rd person sentenced in connection with the Feeding Our Future investigation, which has resulted in multiple convictions and ongoing prosecutions. The case has drawn attention to the need for oversight of federal relief programs and the importance of safeguarding public resources.
Federal Agencies Involved
The investigation involved several federal agencies, including the FBI's Minneapolis Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Officials credited the successful prosecution to the collaborative efforts of these agencies in uncovering the fraud and bringing those responsible to justice.
The Feeding Our Future case is part of a broader federal effort to investigate and prosecute fraud related to pandemic relief programs. Authorities continue to pursue additional cases and encourage the public to report suspected fraud involving federal funds.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has overseen the prosecution of the Feeding Our Future defendants. Sentencing for other individuals involved in the scheme is expected to continue as cases move through the federal court system.
