An Eagan woman pleaded guilty Monday in the Feeding Our Future case, admitting that she stole $1.3 million and spent it on personal expenses like a Tesla and new house.
Kawsar Jama, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, making her the 22nd defendant to admit fault in the sprawling fraud case. Federal prosecutors charged 70 defendants in the case with stealing a total of $250 million.
Wearing a camouflage head scarf and a floral-patterned dress, Kawsar listened intently to a Somali language interpreter before answering yes or no to questions from U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ebert.
At one point, Ebert asked Kawsar if she agreed that she spent federal money meant to feed underprivileged children on items for herself.
“Yes, but I didn’t know what I was doing,” Kawsar responded through the interpreter.
Brasel later clarified with Kawsar whether she knew she was committing fraud with her actions.
“Yes,” Kawsar said.
As part of her plea, Kawsar and federal prosecutors agreed to a recommended prison term between about three to three-and-a-half years. Kawsar also agreed to pay just over $1.3 million in restitution — the amount she admitted to personally profiting from in the scheme.