Aimee Bock, the convicted ringleader of a pandemic-era fraud scheme, has appealed her conviction and 41-year sentence. Bock was found guilty of using her nonprofit, Feeding Our Future, to steal millions from a federal program meant to nourish needy children.

Background

The scheme, which was the largest of its kind during the pandemic, involved submitting fake attendance sheets and false invoices to rake in more money. Much of the cash was spent on cars, luxury homes, or sent overseas. Bock’s sentencing was the culmination of a years-long investigation that began in 2022.

Bock’s attorney is challenging her client’s conviction, alleging that the sentencing guidelines used to determine her punishment were unconstitutional and misapplied. The challenge will go before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In total, 79 people have been charged in connection with the scheme, with 66 convicted. The longest sentence other than Bock’s was given to Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, who received a 28-year prison term.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.