Feeding Our Future was a nonprofit accused of the largest Covid fraud in the nation. They allegedly stole about a half a billion dollars from the Minnesota government under the guise of feeding school children. Dozens of people were charged as part of the conspiracy.
The first trial was held in Spring of 2024 with seven defendants. The second trial had only two defendants: Aimee Bock, the Executive Director of Feeding Our Future, and Said Salim, the owner of Safari Restaurant. Bock was the “mastermind” charged with wire fraud, conspiracy and bribery. Said took part in the scheme by fraudulently collecting money while claiming to serve 3.9 million meals to children during covid.
If my memory serves, the trial lasted about six weeks. Ultimately Bock and Said were both found guilty on all charges.
I was only present for a few select days of the trial, but here are some of the sketches I did:
Prosecutor points to the defendants during opening statements.Aimee Bock’s attorney Kenneth Udoibok making his opening statements.Said Salim’s attorney Adrian Montez makes his opening statements.Defense table. Aimee Bock is second from left, Said Salim is on the far right.Faribault restaurant owner Lul Bashir Ali pleaded guilty in 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. She testified that she falsely claimed to serve over 1,000 meals a day, admitting that she didn’t even have enough kitchen space to prepare that much food.Courtroom sketch from the Feeding Our Future trial in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Feb-March 2025.Aimee Bock being questioned by her attorney.Another sketch of Aimee Bock on the witness stand.Defendant Said Salim being questioned by his attorney.Close-up of Prosecutor questioning Said Salim.Prosecutor giving closing arguments to the jury.Aimee Bock’s attorney Kenneth Udoibok giving closing arguments to the Jury.Said Salim’s attorney Adrian Montez gives closing arguments to the jury.
