A juror in a $250 million charitable fraud case in Minnesota was dismissed after someone offered her a bag of $120,000 in cash in exchange for an acquittal. The juror, identified as Juror 52, was part of a trial involving mishandled money meant to feed hungry children during the COVID-19 pandemic. A woman went to Juror 52’s home and left the cash in a bag, promising more money if she voted to acquit. The juror’s father-in-law was home at the time and informed the juror upon her return. She called the police and the money is now in FBI custody.
The trial included seven defendants accused of fraudulently using a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future to steal $41 million, part of a larger case involving 70 defendants. The juror was dismissed, and remaining jurors were questioned to ensure no unauthorized contact regarding the case had occurred.
Due to the juror tampering allegations, all seven defendants were detained in court by U.S. Marshals. The judge will sequester the jury once deliberations begin and has requested added security in court. Prosecutors intend to file search warrants for the defendants’ phones. The defense attorneys expressed concern over the allegations but are proceeding with the trial.
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