Minnesota has appointed Tim O’Malley as the new director of program integrity, a role aimed at addressing government fraud. Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment on September 29, 2023, as part of a broader initiative to ensure taxpayer funds are protected from misuse. O’Malley, a former judge and superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, brings extensive experience to the position, having also served as an FBI agent.
As part of this effort, Minnesota will collaborate with WayPoint Inc., a firm comprised of former law enforcement and federal agents specializing in forensic accounting. Together, they will develop a comprehensive strategy to combat fraud across various state agencies. Governor Walz expressed confidence in O’Malley’s ability to safeguard taxpayer interests. “If you commit fraud in Minnesota, you will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.
O’Malley emphasized his commitment to serving the citizens of Minnesota rather than any political entity. “I’m here to serve the people of Minnesota,” he said. “No one has any tolerance for fraud. This issue must be addressed aggressively. Minnesotans must have trust in our public institutions.”
WayPoint Inc. will lead the development of standardized investigative protocols and strategies to prevent fraud, including mechanisms for legal data sharing to identify individuals abusing multiple programs. Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, commented on the broad implications of fraud. “Fraud is not just a financial loss. It disrupts lives, harms families, and undermines confidence in the programs Minnesotans rely on,” he explained.
The initiative comes at a critical time as the state faces federal scrutiny regarding allegations of organized welfare fraud, particularly concerning networks within the Somali-American community. Reports indicate that significant sums of money may have been misappropriated, with investigations extending to potential links between stolen funds and terrorist organizations.
The Treasury Department is currently investigating these allegations, while the House Oversight Committee is examining whistleblower claims regarding ignored fraud activities and a purported cover-up. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its presence in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, further underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
In her remarks, Shireen Gandhi, the Minnesota Department of Human Services Temporary Commissioner, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing fraud. “We are intently focused on solutions – strengthening program integrity, tightening oversight of services, and hardening our programs against attacks by criminals,” she stated. “Our job is to protect Minnesotans who need services.”
O’Malley, who is currently serving as interim chief judge at the Court of Administrative Hearings, will officially assume his new role next month. His appointment signals a renewed effort to enhance accountability and transparency within Minnesota’s public service programs. The ongoing investigations and the state’s proactive approach reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that public funds are used effectively and ethically for the benefit of all citizens.
