Former Campaign Associate Admits Role in Major Pandemic Meal‑Fraud in Minnesota

A man who once worked with U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar has pleaded guilty to his part in a sweeping federal fraud scandal that drained millions from a child nutrition program set up during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The admission marks another step in what prosecutors describe as one of the worst abuses of emergency relief funding in Minnesota history.

Who Admitted Guilt and Why It Matters

Guhaad Hashi Said, age 49, confessed this week to two federal offenses: conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering. His connection to Representative Omar’s political operations brought added attention to the case, though he is not accused of wrongdoing tied directly to her campaign. Rather, Said is one of dozens caught up in the “Feeding Our Future” scandal — a fraud scheme uncovered during the pandemic that targeted government meal programs meant for vulnerable children.

Said is the 52nd person convicted in this sprawling case. The scandal has exposed how public trust can be betrayed when oversight fails, and how programs designed to help can be manipulated for personal gain.

How the Scheme Operated

According to federal court documents, Said misused funds meant for feeding low‑income children. Between late 2020 and early 2022, he funneled money through a nonprofit he controlled called Advance Youth Athletic Development. Under the guise of providing thousands of meals daily, he submitted falsified invoices, inflated meal counts and rosters, and fabricated paperwork to receive federal reimbursements.

Though his nonprofit claimed to serve massive numbers of meals, investigators discovered that only a tiny fraction of those served were real, and most of the rest was fiction. The organization was officially created in early 2021 and registered to an apartment address in Minneapolis. Even as said numbers climbed into the millions, there was no corresponding evidence of actual meal delivery at scale.

At its heart, the scheme was able to use the loosening of certain COVID‑era rules – which expanded who could apply for funds and under what conditions – as a cover, and then to exploit that environment by submitting false documentation. The total amount siphoned via Said’s part is estimated at around $2.9 million in taxpayer dollars.

Where the Money Went

While some of the funds were legitimately used for food purchase, the majority was diverted for personal benefit. Financial records show millions transferred to catering operations that were supposed to prepare the meals, but in many cases delivered far less than claimed—or nothing at all. Other diverted funds were laundered through shell nonprofit organizations and limited liability companies. Assets acquired include real estate, luxury vehicles, and other high‑end purchases completely unrelated to feeding children.

Political and Personal Background

Said has a record of political involvement. Prior to the scandal, he had been active in Minnesota politics, including runnings for local office. His plea brings renewed scrutiny to people connected to Representative Ilhan Omar, especially as critics question whether political networks helped create an atmosphere where improper or unethical relationships could flourish. Still, no legal allegations have been made against Omar herself in connection to this fraud.

Sentencing and Ongoing Investigation

Though Said has entered a guilty plea, a sentencing date has not yet been set. The legal statutes he is guilty under carry serious penalties—it is possible he could face many years behind bars. Depending on what evidence is admitted and how the prosecutors structure the case, fines and restitution in addition to prison time are likely.

Investigators stress that the wider case tied to Feeding Our Future is not over. Over fifty defendants have already been convicted, and prosecutors indicate more charges and guilty pleas are expected as the investigation continues to unfold. The scope of the scheme is vast, and authorities say more financial documents, false claims, and shell entity layers are still being uncovered.

Broader Implications: What This Reveals

The case highlights multiple failure points: lax oversight of nonprofits, insufficient checks on documentation submitted for federal relief, and underestimating how easily certain rules can be misused under emergency situations. More fundamentally, it raises questions about political accountability and the degree to which individuals tied to influential figures can leverage connections—whether intentionally or not—to participate in large‑scale fraud.

Programs designed to feed children during shocking public health crises are among the most sympathetic uses of government resources. When funds meant to protect the most vulnerable are corrupted, the damage is more than financial—it is moral and civic.

Conclusion

Guhaad Hashi Said’s guilty plea adds another chapter to what is already one of the largest pandemic‑era fraud investigations in the U.S. With millions of dollars lost, dozens of convictions, and more still ahead, Feeding Our Future will likely remain a cautionary tale about the dangers of fraud, the vulnerabilities of relief programs, and the long shadow cast by broken trust.