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Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News) - Four Rochester residents are among the 47 people charged in connection with what federal prosecutors have described as the largest COVID fraud case in the United States.

They are accused of participating in a scheme that defrauded the federal Children Nutrition Program by falsely claiming they were operating meal distribution centers for children during the pandemic. US Attorney for Minnesota Andrew Luger says the total amount involved statewide is over $250 million.

A news release lists the Rochester defendants as:

  • Sharmake Jama, 34, of Rochester, Minnesota, is charged with wire fraud, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Sharmake Jama was a principal of Brava Restaurant and Café LLC. Brava Restaurant received approximately $4.3 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds.
  • Ayan Jama, 43, of Rochester, Minnesota is charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Ayan Jama was a principal of Brava Restaurant and Café LLC. Ayan Jama also created shell companies to launder fraudulent proceeds.
  • Mustafa Jama, 45, of Rochester, Minnesota, is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. Mustafa Jama worked for Brava Restaurant and created shell companies to launder fraudulent proceeds.
  • Zamzam Jama, 48, of Rochester, Minnesota, is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. Zamzam Jama worked for Brava Restaurant and created shell companies to launder fraudulent proceeds.
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At a news conference earlier today, Luger indicated the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

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