Peggy Flanagan's friend's autism center probed for Medicaid fraud

Key Points:

• The Milestone Development Center, an autism center run by Nimco Ahmed, a longtime friend of Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan, is under investigation for fraud alongside the Spectrum Therapy Center, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
• Both centers were terminated from participating in the Medicaid program months ago as part of a revalidation process but have appealed the termination; DHS confirmed ongoing investigations but could not disclose details due to legal restrictions.
• Nimco Ahmed, featured in a viral video with Flanagan defending the Somali community, has denied allegations of improper care and oversight at Milestone, claiming accusations are biased and emphasizing compliance with state requirements.
• The fraud investigation has sparked criticism of Flanagan on social media, with commentators questioning her role and response given her close association with Ahmed and the Somali community involved in the scandal.
• Former Milestone therapist Grant Morgan reported a lack of qualified supervision and ineffective treatments at the center, raising concerns about potential billing fraud and inadequate autism services.