URGENT UPDATE: The owner of a St. Cloud autism treatment center has been charged with $6 million in federal wire fraud, as authorities uncover a shocking scheme to defraud a publicly funded health care program. Abdinajib Hassan Yussuf, 27, president and CEO of Star Autism Center, is accused of exploiting vulnerable families within the Somali community.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges during a news conference on December 18, 2024, revealing that Yussuf’s operation was designed to bilk the Early Intensive Development and Behavioral Intervention program, which provides essential services to individuals under 21 with autism spectrum disorder. This urgent case has immediate implications for families relying on these critical services.
Authorities report that Yussuf and his associates actively recruited children, even those without formal autism diagnoses, to inflate claims for Medicaid reimbursements. Allegations indicate that the center employed untrained individuals, often teenagers, to deliver these services, compromising the quality of care provided to children in need.
FBI agents raided Star Autism Center in December 2024, uncovering a systematic approach to defrauding the program. Yussuf allegedly shared the $6 million in illicit proceeds with other owners and investors, while also diverting funds for personal use, including purchasing a semi-truck for over $100,000 and transferring an additional $200,000 to Kenya.
This scandal does not stop with Yussuf; five other individuals face federal charges for their roles in fraud schemes linked to both autism services and the Housing Stabilization Services programs. A total of 13 individuals have been implicated in the housing fraud alone, raising alarms about widespread corruption in these essential public service programs.
Families affected by this fraud may feel betrayed and vulnerable, as they relied on these services to support their children’s development. The emotional toll on the community is immense, as many parents sought assistance in good faith, only to be exploited for financial gain.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to service providers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable those who misuse public funds intended for vulnerable populations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the legal proceedings commence. The ramifications of this case may extend far beyond St. Cloud, impacting families and communities across the state and beyond.
