Rep. Murphy Statement on FBI Conducting Search Warrants in Autism Center Fraud Investigation St. Paul, MN — Last week news broke that law enforcement officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation served search warrants in downtown Minneapolis and St. Cloud as part of a wide-ranging Medicaid fraud investigation. The warrant shows at least twelve people charged in the Feeding Our Future case owned, received money from or were associated with autism centers that got state funding for providing services. Representative Tom Murphy (R – Underwood) issued the following statement in response. "The level of fraud happening under the Walz administration is utterly unacceptable," said Representative Murphy. "This persistent fraud within our programs is a betrayal of hardworking taxpayers. It undermines public trust and diverts vital resources from those who need them the most. These resources should be helping Minnesotans, not lining the pockets of fraudsters." In July, Gov. Walz said that he was “not aware” of the FBI investigation and seemed unaware of allegations of fraud in Minnesota’s autism program. "Immediate, aggressive reforms are needed," Rep. Murphy added. "This includes independent audits, stronger transparency, and accountability measures to put an end to this abuse. Fraudsters must be stopped, and we must send a clear message that Minnesota will no longer tolerate being exploited. Those who commit fraud must face serious consequences; not minor penalties that allow this corruption to continue. Minnesotans deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes them, eliminates fraud, and restores faith in our government. Anything less is unacceptable." ### |