A Minnesota childcare facility is facing growing scrutiny after an independent journalist discovered that the center appeared to be operating without any children present, despite receiving millions of dollars in public funding.
Journalist Nick Shirley visited the daycare as part of a broader investigation into alleged fraud involving state-funded childcare and healthcare programs. According to public records, the center reportedly claimed to serve more than 100 children, a figure that qualified it for millions of dollars in taxpayer support over the past two years.
Questions Met With Closed Door
During the visit, Shirley and an investigator identified as David, who has researched alleged fraud cases in the state for several years, attempted to ask staff basic questions about the facility’s operations.
Public filings indicate the center received approximately $2.66 million in funding this year, following $2.5 million the previous year. However, when Shirley and David arrived, they found the building empty.
“We were simply asking where the children were,” David said during the encounter. “If the center is licensed for over 100 kids and receiving that level of funding, it’s reasonable to want clarification.”
The interaction ended abruptly when a woman working at the facility declined to answer further questions and shut the door.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
The incident quickly drew political attention. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) criticized state leadership and called for greater oversight of taxpayer-funded programs.
In a post on social media platform X, Emmer questioned how such large sums could be allocated to a facility that appeared inactive, urging Governor Tim Walz to address the matter publicly.
Investigation Expands Beyond Childcare
Shirley later released a 42-minute video documenting what he described as extensive fraud networks operating across Minnesota, involving childcare and healthcare programs. He claims that his team identified more than $110 million in suspicious activity in a single day, though these allegations have not yet been independently verified by law enforcement.
“We want transparency and accountability,” Shirley said. “Taxpayer money must be protected, regardless of who is involved.”
Broader Concerns Over Public Funds
Separate reports and court cases have already revealed significant fraud schemes tied to public assistance programs in Minnesota in recent years. Some estimates suggest that billions of dollars may have been improperly obtained through fraudulent claims, prompting calls for stricter auditing and enforcement.
State and federal authorities have not yet commented on this specific childcare facility, and no charges have been announced related to Shirley’s findings.
What Happens Next?
As the video continues to circulate online, pressure is mounting on regulators and elected officials to investigate the facility and determine whether public funds were misused. Observers say the case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in oversight systems designed to protect taxpayer dollars.
For now, questions remain unanswered — including whether the children listed in official records ever attended the center at all.
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