St. Paul, Minnesota — A Minnesota judge is facing public criticism after overturning the conviction of a man found guilty of misusing more than $7 million in Medicaid funds, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from jurors and renewed scrutiny of the state’s handling of large-scale healthcare fraud cases.
Abdifatah Yusuf, 44, was convicted in August 2025 on charges tied to stealing millions from Minnesota’s Medicaid program while operating a home-based healthcare business known as Promise. According to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, investigators determined that Yusuf diverted more than $1 million from business accounts into his personal account and withdrew hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to fund what prosecutors described as a lavish lifestyle.
Last month, Judge Sarah West overturned Yusuf’s conviction, entering judgments of acquittal on all charges. The ruling stunned members of the jury who heard the case. Jury foreperson Ben Walfoort told local media he was “shocked” by the decision, citing what jurors believed was overwhelming evidence presented during the trial.
Yusuf’s attorney defended the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the legal standard that convictions must be supported by sufficient proof and fairness under the law. He argued the acquittal demonstrated his client’s innocence rather than a technical failure.
The decision comes amid heightened attention on Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, where multiple high-dollar cases have raised concerns about oversight and accountability. Critics argue the ruling could undermine public confidence in efforts to combat fraud, while supporters say it reflects judicial independence and adherence to legal standards.
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