Philadelphia Men Accused Of Siphoning Millions From Minnesota Housing Program Plead Guilty To Wire Fraud

CBS Minnesota

February 10, 2026

Two Philadelphia-based men accused of traveling to Minneapolis after a friend told them the taxpayer-funded programs there presented "a good opportunity to make money," pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Monday, court records show.

Anthony Waddel Jefferson and Lester Brown were accused of siphoning millions from federally funded programs administered by Minnesota officials that were meant to help the disabled and those suffering from addiction, according to court filings. Sentencing has not been scheduled for either man.

Court filings allege Brown and Jefferson submitted up to $3.5 million in "fake and inflated bills" for Medicaid reimbursements after they set up a company intended to provide housing and other services to individuals who qualified for the program.

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