Federal and State Agents Raid Five Minnesota Autism Centers in Major Fraud Investigation

Federal agents teamed up with Minnesota investigators on Tuesday to raid five autism service centers across the Twin Cities, intensifying an ongoing investigation into suspected fraud. The targeted facilities include Global Star Therapy LLC in Savage; Empower Skill Academy in Fridley; Aspen Associates LLC with locations in Minneapolis and Fridley; and Mendota Autism in Mendota Heights.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) revealed that it has conducted 444 on-site visits to Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) service providers. These inspections uncovered enough irregularities to classify the program as "high risk," prompting a revalidation effort due by May 31.

Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi emphasized the importance of these raids for both families relying on autism services and Minnesota taxpayers. “This is an important action for families who rely on autism services and for Minnesota taxpayers fed up – as I am – with criminals taking advantage of the systems we have in place to deliver social services,” Gandhi said.

Despite the state’s public statements highlighting collaboration with federal agencies, FBI Director Kash Patel publicly dismissed Minnesota officials’ claims to credit. On social media platform X, Patel asserted, “This FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today. But go ahead and take credit for our work while we smoke out the fraud plaguing Minnesota under your governorship.” Patel’s pointed remarks underscore the political tensions surrounding the investigation.

WCCO reporters visiting three of the raided centers—Empower Skill Academy, Aspen Associates, and Mendota Autism—found all locations closed with no staff available to comment. An Aspen employee, reached by phone, expressed confusion about the raids and confirmed that law enforcement had confiscated electronic equipment.

Financial records obtained by WCCO reveal that these centers received substantial reimbursements from the state. Empower Skill Academy’s requests surged from approximately $526,000 in 2023 to nearly $2.9 million in 2025, with Minnesota approving around $2.7 million. Aspen Associates requested $975,000 last year but was reimbursed roughly $390,000. Mendota Autism received about $743,000 in reimbursements last year.

These raids expose a broader pattern of exploitation within social service programs designed for vulnerable populations. The investigation highlights how fraud can drain critical resources meant for children with autism, undermining both care quality and public trust. As the probe unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder that oversight and accountability remain crucial to protecting the integrity of social services.