Guilty verdict in Feeding Our Future founder’s fraud trial

A jury on Wednesday delivered a string of guilty verdicts Wednesday afternoon in what prosecutors call the largest pandemic fraud case in the country.

The jury heard closing arguments Tuesday against accused Feeding Our Future ring leader Aimee Bock and her co-defendant Salim Said. The pair is accused of taking tens of millions of dollars meant to feed hungry children. The jury began deliberating Wednesday and, within hours, reached guilty verdicts on multiple criminal counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery.

Said owned and operated Safari Restaurant, a site that received more than $16 million in fraudulent funds. Prosecutors say it was a team effort, alleging that Said devised fake meal counts, rosters and invoices and Bock submitted them to the state department for funding.

The pair “worked together every step of the way to carry out this fraud scheme,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry Jacobs “and they both got rich doing it.”

Bock’s attorney disputes that, maintaining she wasn’t aware of any fraud happening. 

Said’s attorney argues others took his legitimate business and corrupted it. 

Before closing arguments, prosecutors questioned Said on his “lavish” spending on real estate, clothing and more. He didn’t deny the spending, but repeatedly told prosecutors that he spent money he earned.

Bock and Said are two of 70 people charged in the scheme. Roughly 30 others have pleaded guilty and five others were convicted.

This story is developing and will be updated. 

Note: The above video first aired on March 18, 2025.

WCCO Staff

The WCCO Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on WCCO.com.