Feds investigate $120K bribe to juror in Minnesota food fraud case
Federal authorities in Minnesota are investigating an attempt to bribe a juror in a high-profile food fraud case. The investigation has led to the confiscation of cellphones and the arrest of all seven defendants. Also, the case involves accusations of stealing more than $40 million from a program intended to feed children during the pandemic.
Info About The Bribe
The bribery attempt came to light late Sunday. This is when a woman delivered a gift bag containing $120,000 in cash to the home of “Juror #52” in Spring Lake Park. SLP is a Minneapolis suburb. The juror was not home at the time. However, she was informed of the delivery by a relative. The woman reportedly told the relative that the bag was a “present” for the juror. In addition, it was suggested there would be more money if the juror delivered a “not guilty” verdict.
Upon discovering the cash, the juror immediately contacted the police. As a result, they turned the case over to the FBI. The bag contained $100, $50, and $20 bills, totaling around $120,000. An affidavit from an FBI agent indicated that the woman who delivered the bribe knew the juror’s first name. Thus, raising suspicions that someone with access to the juror’s personal information was involved.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel, along with attorneys for both sides, were informed of the bribe attempt on Monday morning. Subsequently, Judge Brasel ordered the confiscation of the defendants’ cellphones and had them taken into custody. The trial’s deliberations were delayed as two jurors had to be replaced – the targeted juror and another who had discussed the bribe with a family member.
The FBI is currently investigating to determine who was involved in the bribery attempt. Anyone implicated in the attempt could face federal charges, including bribery of a juror and influencing a juror, both of which carry a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Minneapolis FBI spokesperson Diana Freedman stated that no further information could be provided at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Source: AP News
Feds investigate $120K bribe to juror in Minnesota food fraud case
