Recent reports indicate that concerns regarding potential fraud tied to Somali-affiliated child care facilities are spreading beyond Minnesota. Investigative journalist Anthony Rubin shared videos from Columbus, Ohio, where he inspected a facility termed the “Great Minds Learning Academy.” His inquiries about the operational status of this daycare reveal troubling signs. One neighbor remarked, “I’ve never seen anyone go in the building or come out,” exhibiting a stark absence of activity around the center.
Rubin’s footage shows him knocking on the door without receiving a response. He noted the presence of a few parked cars but no sign of children or staff, raising questions about the facility’s legitimacy. His efforts are part of a broader investigation into the Somali community’s involvement in these operations.
In Washington, D.C., similar patterns emerged. Carleen Johnson, a journalist for The Center Square, reported findings at four Somali-run daycare centers in Federal Way, Washington. Much like Rubin’s experience, Johnson encountered closed doors and an unwillingness to engage with her. “They threatened me with police,” she tweeted, suggesting a defensive posture rather than transparency from the caretakers. Her attempts to clarify the situation were met with skepticism from the community, leading her to challenge the idea that the centers might simply be closed for the holidays.
The unsettling trend has prompted commentary from Mehek Cooke, an attorney and conservative voice. She disclosed that reports from the Somali community in Ohio suggest a broader scheme involving Medicaid fraud, described as “massive.” Cooke emphasizes that this situation extends far beyond Minnesota and cautions against attributing it solely to cultural or racial factors. Instead, she points to the structural vulnerabilities of Ohio’s waiver system—designed to help those in need but allegedly being exploited for personal gain. “It was built to really help individuals that are struggling and in need, but it’s being looted today,” she asserted.
As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for an audit in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, suggesting that deeper scrutiny may unveil a significant pattern of fraud across these states. Cooke’s warning that “Minnesota was just the tip of the spear” resonates strongly as more instances of fraudulent activity are uncovered.
Independent journalist Nick Shirley added fuel to the fire with a viral video revealing what he claims to be $110 million in fraudulent activity linked to Somali-related child care centers in Minneapolis. His video raises flags regarding improper financial actions and highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations into these facilities nationwide.
The patterns observed by Rubin, Johnson, and Shirley suggest the existence of an alarming trend. Facilities designed to aid children may be entrenched in misused funds, leading to concerns about accountability in various states. As the situation continues to evolve, the hope remains that impending audits and investigations may bring clarity and, most importantly, justice for those genuinely in need of support.
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