On May 21, 2026, a federal judge sentenced Aimee Bock — the convicted ringleader of the Feeding Our Future scheme in Minnesota — to 500 months in prison (more than 41 years) and ordered her to repay nearly $243 million to the federal government.
A jury last year found Bock guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. Prosecutors described the case as the largest pandemic-related fraud in the country, saying the scheme diverted tens of millions of dollars in government funds intended to feed vulnerable children.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca Kline told the court that Bock “didn’t participate in fraud, she orchestrated it, profited on it.” Prosecutors had asked for a 50-year sentence, saying the scandal caused widespread harm across Minnesota and pointing to alleged efforts by Bock to conceal or leak protected materials while in custody.
Bock spoke at the sentencing hearing, expressing remorse: “I don’t have the words to express just how horrible I feel. I know I’m responsible.” Her attorney, Kenneth Udoibok, argued the conduct amounted to gross negligence rather than intentional criminality and said Bock believed she was helping people gain access to programs.
The judge rejected that characterization, saying Bock “acted as a gatekeeper” and played an integral role in planning the scheme. The court also concluded she lied while testifying at trial. Judges and prosecutors highlighted recorded jail calls and court filings that allege Bock instructed her son to send case-related documents, some of which contained protected witness information, to political figures and media outlets. A judge earlier described those actions as “really disturbing.”
Dozens of others have been convicted in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud. In addition to the prison term, the restitution order aims to recover nearly $243 million for taxpayers. Officials said the sentence and restitution reflect the scale of the fraud and its impact on communities the relief programs were meant to serve.
This report is based on court proceedings and statements by prosecutors and defense counsel; the story may be updated as additional information becomes available.