An autism center operated by a close associate of Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is under investigation for fraud. This development has led to widespread criticism of Flanagan on social media.
The Milestone Development Center, run by Nimco Ahmed, is being scrutinized along with the Spectrum Therapy Center. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed the investigation to Fox News Digital. A DHS spokesperson stated, “These agencies are on our radar.” The department has terminated both agencies from the Medicaid program, a step in the Minnesota Revalidate 2026 process, which checks that agencies have necessary credentials and follow regulations. The agencies have appealed their terminations.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was seen visiting a Somali market with Ahmed, who is now facing investigations. Ahmed is noted as the CEO of Milestone and appeared in a video defending the Somali community in Minnesota. This video went viral amid a significant fraud scandal involving the Somali community.
Nimco Ahmed has been a known member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) and has been friends with Flanagan for nearly 25 years, according to Alpha News. Fox News Digital sought comments from Flanagan’s campaign regarding the investigation.
The news stirred criticism of Flanagan, who has been Minnesota’s lieutenant governor since 2019, due to perceived inaction over fraud scandals. Townhall columnist Dustin Grage remarked negatively on social media about the situation, describing it as unbelievable.
Former Milestone therapist Grant Morgan, who worked there in late 2023, reported the absence of qualified oversight and described treatments as ineffective. He indicated potential irregularities in billing practices and noted that session notes central to Medicaid billing were not required at Milestone.
Ahmed addressed concerns with Alpha News, attributing them to bias and affirming that the center meets requirements, maintains oversight, and regularly undergoes audits.
Fox News Digital reached out to Milestone for comments but has not yet reported a response. Fox News reporter Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.