Jeremiah Ellison - Son of Minnesota AG Keith Ellison direct ties to Somali Fraud Scandal

Keith Ellison, the Minnesota Attorney General, has four adult children: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Amirah. The son most frequently in recent news is Jeremiah Ellison, a former Minneapolis City Council member (Ward 5, elected in 2017). Key updates on him as of late 2025:

• In November 2024, Jeremiah announced he would not seek re-election in 2025.

• In September 2025, he accepted a full-time paid Loeb Fellowship at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (including a ~$57,500 stipend, housing, and travel grants). He continued receiving his full ~$109,000–$110,000 council salary while based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, planning to attend some meetings in person and others virtually. This drew significant criticism from fellow council members and the public for lacking full representation (e.g., no in-person committee participation, leaving North Minneapolis underrepresented). Sources described it as "absurd" or "double-dipping."

• His council term ended in January 2026 (after the 2025 elections), marking the end of his time in office.

Recent coverage (December 2025) has resurfaced this story amid broader scandals involving alleged campaign donations linked to the $250+ million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme (a COVID-era child nutrition program scam primarily involving Somali community members). Reports claim Jeremiah's campaign received small donations (~$3,000) from individuals connected to indicted parties, similar to his father's campaign.

No major new developments reported on Ellison's other sons (Isaiah, Elijah, or daughter Amirah) in 2025. Jeremiah has been the primary public figure among the children due to his political role.

Overview of the Feeding Our Future Scandal

The Feeding Our Future scandal is considered the largest COVID-19-era fraud scheme in the United States, involving the theft of approximately $250–300 million in federal funds intended for child nutrition programs. The scheme exploited the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Federal Child Nutrition Program, which was relaxed during the pandemic to allow off-site meal distribution and participation by for-profit entities like restaurants.

• Key Player: Feeding Our Future, a Minnesota-based nonprofit founded in 2010 by Aimee Bock, acted as a "sponsor" organization. It oversaw meal distribution sites and reimbursed them for claimed meals served to children.

• How the Fraud Worked: Defendants allegedly created hundreds of shell companies and fake meal sites. They submitted fraudulent claims for millions of meals (e.g., claiming to serve thousands of meals daily at newly formed sites), backed by fake attendance rosters, invoices, and rosters listing nonexistent or duplicated children. Very few actual meals were provided. Funds were laundered through kickbacks, shell entities, and used for personal luxury purchases: mansions, luxury cars (e.g., Mercedes), international travel, property in the U.S., Kenya, Turkey, and Ohio.

• Scale: Pre-pandemic, the nonprofit claimed about $3.4 million annually. During the pandemic, claims exploded, with Feeding Our Future receiving over $240 million and pocketing $18+ million in administrative fees.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) distributed the funds but raised early red flags (as far back as 2018–2019) about irregularities. Feeding Our Future sued MDE in 2020, alleging discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin (many participants were from the Somali-American community). A judge ruled in favor of faster processing, delaying shutdown efforts.

Investigation and Charges

• FBI Involvement: Began in early 2021 after MDE referrals to USDA. Raids occurred in January 2022.

• Indictments: Started with 47–48 in September 2022; grew to 78 defendants by late 2025 (mostly Somali-American individuals, plus Bock and others).

• Community Impact: Many perpetrators were from Minnesota's Somali-American community, leading to internal debates about accountability, accusations of racism used to deflect scrutiny, and broader political fallout (e.g., cited in 2025 discussions on immigration and Temporary Protected Status for Somalis).

Trials and Convictions (as of late December 2025)

• First Trial (2024): 7 defendants; 5 convicted, 2 acquitted. Included a juror bribery scandal (cash-filled bag left for a juror), leading to additional guilty pleas.

• Second Trial (February–March 2025): Aimee Bock (founder/executive director, dubbed "mastermind") and Salim Said (co-conspirator, former restaurateur) convicted on all counts (wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery). Bock awaits sentencing in early 2026.

• Overall Outcomes: Over 50 guilty pleas; 7+ convicted at trial. Dozens sentenced (e.g., 10–12 years for some, with restitution orders like $47 million). Recent additions: 77th and 78th defendants charged in November 2025 for wire fraud and money laundering.

• Recovery: Less than half the stolen funds recovered; recent efforts include seeking $5.2 million restitution from Bock.

Broader Implications

The scandal uncovered related fraud in other Minnesota programs (e.g., autism therapy ~$220 million potential, housing stabilization ~$300 million), totaling nearly $1 billion in suspected losses across social services. It drew national attention in 2025, with criticism of state oversight under Gov. Tim Walz and political scrutiny (e.g., House investigations).

Regarding connections to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison: In December 2021 (one month before FBI raids), Ellison met with individuals later tied to the scheme (recorded without his knowledge). They complained of discrimination by state agencies; Ellison expressed sympathy but claimed he was unaware of the ongoing investigation. Shortly after, small campaign donations (~thousands) went to Ellison and his son Jeremiah's campaigns from linked individuals. Ellison's office represented MDE in related litigation and supported the federal probe, but critics (mostly Republicans) questioned the meeting's timing and tone. No charges against Ellison; he denied knowledge of fraud at the time.

The case remains ongoing, with trials pending for some defendants and asset forfeitures in progress. Federal prosecutors describe it as "industrial-scale" fraud exploiting a crisis. 17GEN4.com