Federal and state law enforcement searched two Fridley autism centers April 28 as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud involving publicly funded social-service programs.
The Fridley locations were Empower Skill Academy and Aspen Associates LLC. The searches were part of a broader investigation involving the Department of Homeland Security and the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families said in an April 28 statement that the law enforcement actions were the result of state, county and federal agencies working together.
“The department … works every day to protect program integrity,” the statement said. “We are pleased to see the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and our federal partners taking strong action based on information we have shared with them.”
The department said it would continue sharing information with law enforcement for further criminal investigations.
MPR News reported that Gov. Tim Walz said those who commit fraud in Minnesota will be caught.
“That’s exactly what we saw today,” Walz said. “We catch criminals when state and federal agencies share information. Joint investigations work, and securing justice depends on it.”
Rep. Tom Emmer issued a statement thanking federal agencies for investigating the alleged fraud.
“President Donald Trump and his administration have made it crystal clear — our country will not tolerate waste, fraud, and abuse, and we are not going to allow people to take advantage of Americans’ generosity,” Emmer wrote. “Thank you to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security for taking action against Somali fraudsters. Minnesotans and U.S. taxpayers across the nation are grateful.”
Homeland Security said on X that it was cooperating with law enforcement in Minneapolis to execute criminal search warrants.
ABC Newspapers contacted Aspen Associates LLC for comment and is awaiting a response. A voicemail box for Empower Skill Academy had not been set up.