2 Minnesota autism centers raided by FBI as part of wider fraud investigation [Video]

MINNEAPOLIS (KARE 11 News) – The FBI raided two Minnesota autism centers, one in Minneapolis and one in St. Cloud, as part of a federal investigation into medical fraud that has ties to the $250 million Feeding Our Future child meal fraud case, according to a search warrant unsealed Thursday morning.

Smart Therapy Center, LLC on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis’ Steven’s Square neighborhood and Star Autism Center LLC on 1st Street Nort in St. Cloud both registered with the Minnesota Department of Human Services in the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) health care program funded by taxpayers to offer medically necessary services to people under 21 living with autism spectrum disorder.

Federal investigators have found “substantial evidence” that many companies, including Smart Therapy Center and Star Autism Center, have been submitting fraudulent claims for EIDBI services that were not provided or that were not covered by EIDBI program, according to the search warrant affidavit. No one has been criminally …