I, State Representative Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, sent a letter this morning (Monday) to Attorney General Keith Ellison calling for immediate action to hold accountable those involved in the Feeding Our Future scandal who have not yet been charged by federal prosecutors.

The Feeding Our Future scandal is the largest pandemic-era fraud case in the country. Millions of taxpayer dollars meant to feed hungry kids were stolen, and Minnesotans deserve justice. If the federal government can’t finish the job, the Attorney General’s office must step in.

The letter comes after a Star Tribune report published on June 11, 2025, in a story titled “Hundreds had ties to Feeding Our Future. Many may not face charges,” revealed that federal prosecutors lack the resources to pursue charges against many individuals connected to the fraud. To date, 72 people have been charged, though hundreds more remain unprosecuted.

In my letter, I outline four key actions for Attorney General Ellison:

1). Open criminal investigations into all uncharged individuals and organizations that received suspicious reimbursements;

2). Prosecute offenders under state fraud and theft laws if federal authorities will not;

3). Publicly disclose a plan to hold wrongdoers accountable, with clear timelines and updates;

4). Work transparently with the Legislature to ensure justice is being served.

The victims of this scandal were the children who went hungry, the taxpayers who were deceived, and the Minnesotans losing faith in our justice system. This isn’t about politics—it’s about restoring trust and making sure justice isn’t reserved only for the powerless. I will continue to provide oversight in my role as Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, but the authority to prosecute lies with the Attorney General. It’s time to act.