Investigation Launched into Autism Center Linked to MN Senate Candidate Peggy Flanagan's Associate

<p>An autism center operated by Nimco Ahmed, a longtime friend of Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan, is under investigation for fraud. This follows a viral video in which Flanagan defended the Somali community while wearing a hijab, alongside Ahmed.</p><p>The Milestone Development Center, managed by Ahmed, is being investigated along with the Spectrum Therapy Center, as confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to Fox News Digital. A DHS spokesperson stated, "These agencies are on our radar. The Minnesota Department of Human Services has open investigations into both Spectrum Therapy Center and Milestone Development Centers. If a provider is part of an open investigation, the department cannot by law disclose details."</p><p>The spokesperson added that several months prior, both agencies were terminated from participating in the Medicaid program as part of Minnesota Revalidate 2026, a process to verify compliance with state and federal regulations. Both providers have appealed their termination.</p><p>Ahmed, identified as the CEO of Milestone, appeared in a video that gained significant attention on social media, where Flanagan stated, "The Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota." Ahmed, originally from Somalia, has been involved with the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) for nearly 25 years.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Flanagan’s campaign for comment.</p><p>Following the announcement of the fraud investigation, criticism of Flanagan has intensified, particularly regarding her role as lieutenant governor since 2019 and questions about her actions related to the fraud scandal over the years.</p><p>Townhall columnist Dustin Grage remarked on social media, "Nimco Ahmed, who stood alongside Peggy Flanagan wearing a hijab, runs an autism center that is now under investigation. You can’t make this stuff up." Conservative influencer LibsofTikTok also commented, "It just never ends," while retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro expressed, "I can’t even keep up anymore."</p><p>Alpha News reported that a former therapist at Milestone, Grant Morgan, claimed he did not see qualified oversight during his time there and raised concerns about billing practices and the qualifications of practitioners. He described the treatments as ineffective and noted potential billing fraud red flags.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Milestone for comment. Ahmed responded to inquiries about her center's care practices, suggesting that the questions were biased and motivated by her Somali background. She denied any lack of oversight at Milestone and asserted that the center complies with state requirements and undergoes regular audits.</p><p><i>Fox News Digital’s Preston Mizell contributed to this report</i></p>