A federal judge has barred defendants from entering her Minneapolis courtroom amid escalating witness tampering allegations tied to a $250 million COVID-19 food fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel issued the order Wednesday after prosecutors revealed Abdinasir Abshir, a defendant awaiting trial, allegedly approached witness Sharmake Jama during testimony this week.
The case centers on Feeding Our Future, a Minnesota nonprofit accused of funneling federal child nutrition funds to shell companies. Prosecutors describe it as one of the largest pandemic-era fraud cases nationwide, with 70 defendants charged since 2022. Most have pleaded guilty, while others face staggered trials through 2024.
Here we find ourselves again with people trying to corrupt our process,said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson during Tuesday’s contentious hearing. The incident marks the second major courtroom security breach after a June 2024 juror bribery attempt involving $120,000 cash.
Judge Brasel’s strict measures include:
- Mandatory 24-hour notice for defendants attending trials
- Courtroom access restricted to separate overflow floors
- Immediate jail threats for codefendant communication
Key witness Jama, former owner of Brava Cafe, previously pleaded guilty and testified against alleged mastermind Aimee Bock and restaurant owner Salim Said. Legal analysts suggest these security protocols could set precedents for high-stakes fraud trials nationwide.
Witness tampering is a crime and a serious one,Brasel declared. Federal marshals are investigating Tuesday’s hallway confrontation, with updated charges possible against Abshir.
The case continues to expose vulnerabilities in pandemic relief oversight, with lawmakers now demanding audits of similar nutrition programs. Court documents reveal over 125 fake meal sites created by Feeding Our Future, diverting emergency funds meant for low-income children.