Walz announces MN fraud prevention program will be directed by former BCA head

Gov. Walz fraud prevention announcement [FULL PRESSER]

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz held a news conference to announce a new fraud prevention program in response to several state programs being defrauded.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced a new statewide fraud prevention program.

The full news conference can be viewed above. 

MN fraud prevention program

Gov. Walz: 'I take responsibility for everything'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he "takes responsibility for everything" when addressing the widespread fraud in the state.

What we know:

Walz announced the new director of a statewide fraud prevention program at the press conference.

The governor named Tim O'Malley as the state's new director of program integrity. 

Tim O'Malley named MN Director of Program Integrity

Tim O'Malley will serve as Minnesota's new director of program integrity in response to the widespread fraud reported across the state.

O'Malleypreviously served as the head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal apprehension and interim chief judge of the Minnesota Court of Administrative Hearings.

The program will also work with the private firm, WayPoint, which specializes in forensic accounting. 

BCA speaks on state's anti-fraud initiative

The Minnesota BCA Superintendent Drew Evans addressed the state's new anti-fraud initiative and their intention to work with WayPoint, a firm that specializes in forensic accounting.

At the press conference, Walz was joined by BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, DHS temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi, State Medicaid Director John Connolly and WayPoint Inc. Forensic Accountant Josiah Lamb.

What they're saying:

The governor shared the following post following the news confrence:

Why you should care:

This announcement comes as fraud issues in Minnesota have been the focus of national scrutiny, including from President Donald Trump, and from his challengers in the 2026 gubernatorial race. 

Walz answers why fraud wasn't addressed sooner

Minnesota Gov. Walz addressed concerns about why more wasn't done to combat statewide fraud sooner, but said he "will not apologize for making Minnesota one of the safest states during COVID."

Dig deeper:

According to U.S. Department of Justice figures, there has been about $822 million in fraud from Minnesota services, including $300 million from Feeding Our Future, the possibility of nearly $220 million in autism program fraud and $302 million from the Housing Stabilization Program.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.