Maine state officials have suspended payments to *Gateway Community Services*, a nonprofit organization in Portland that provides health care services to immigrants, following allegations of fraud. This decision comes as the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the suspension after a third audit uncovered overpayments exceeding *$1.1 million* from *March 2021 to December 2022*.
The notice of violation was issued on *Tuesday*, with the case now referred to the *Office of the Attorney General* for further investigation. According to DHHS spokesperson *Lindsay Hammes*, payment suspensions are mandated when there is credible evidence of fraud unless specific criteria for a “good cause exception” apply. Hammes emphasized the department’s commitment to maintaining accountability and upholding the highest standards in the use of public funds.
In response, *Gateway Community Services* issued a statement through its attorney, *Pawel Binczyk*, indicating the organization would take the necessary time to review and address the allegations. Binczyk reaffirmed Gateway’s commitment to cooperating with the state and maintaining its reputation.
Background on Allegations
The allegations of fraud were initially brought to light by former employee *Chris Bernardini*, with reports first published by *The Maine Wire*, a conservative media outlet, six months ago. Recently, the allegations gained wider attention through national news outlets such as *Fox News* and *NewsNation*, which linked them to broader claims involving Somali immigrants in *Minnesota*. These claims have been highlighted by former President *Donald Trump* as part of a crackdown on immigration.
*Gateway Community Services* was founded by *Abdullahi Ali*, a Somali American who previously ran for office in *Jubaland*, Somalia. The ongoing audit into Gateway’s billing practices began in *January 2023*, triggered by internal data analytics that raised concerns. The findings revealed significant areas of noncompliance, leading to the identification of nearly *$1.1 million* in overpayments.
This latest audit follows previous investigations that uncovered approximately *$662,608* in overpayments between *2015 and 2018*. These earlier findings resulted from audits conducted in response to specific complaints.
Political and Legal Implications
The suspension of payments coincided with a request from *Rep. James Comer*, chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for financial information regarding Gateway. Comer requested “certain Suspicious Activity Reports” related to suspected fraud in Minnesota from Treasury Secretary *Scott Bessett*. Gateway is included on a list of organizations being scrutinized due to alleged fraud schemes linked to the Somali community.
In a statement earlier this month, *Gateway Community Services* acknowledged the state audit findings concerning overbilling. The organization maintained that no evidence suggested intentional wrongdoing or that it billed for services not rendered.
Binczyk’s statement defended Gateway’s billing practices, asserting, “*Gateway Community Services* maintains strict billing, documentation, and compliance protocols, and has cooperated with state oversight agencies spanning both the (Republican *Paul*) LePage and (Democrat *Janet*) Mills administrations.” He highlighted the potential negative impact of the allegations on the thousands of Mainers who rely on Gateway’s services, many of whom are not immigrants, as well as the organization’s employees.
As investigations continue, the outcome of this case may have broader implications not only for Gateway but also for the national conversation surrounding immigration and nonprofit accountability.
