Norwood Young America man charged with multiple tax crimes and Medical Assistance and SNAP benefits fraud 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Carver County Attorney’s Office recently charged Andrew Clayton Freeburg, of Norwood Young America, with:

• one felony count of failing to file an individual income tax return
• one felony count of willfully failing to pay income tax
• four felony counts of filing false or fraudulent income tax returns
• five felony counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance

The complaint states that Mr. Freeburg failed to file his individual income tax return or pay income tax in tax year 2022 and filed false individual income tax returns for tax years 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. The complaint alleges that Mr. Freeburg ran a fictitious business, E-Motors, which he primarily used to fund personal expenses such as gym memberships, dining, and travel. While not filed timely, the tax returns Mr. Freeburg did file, allegedly underreporting his wage and business income by nearly $2 million. Department investigators determined he allegedly owes over $186,000 in taxes for tax years 2020 through 2024.

The complaint contends that Mr. Freeburg committed these tax-related felonies while on probation for tax crimes he pled guilty to in 2024. 

While investigating Mr. Freeburg’s tax crimes, the complaint states that investigators learned that he was also receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medical Assistance benefits in 2022-2024 despite earning income amounts that would make him ineligible to participate in either program. The complaint states that Mr. Freeburg wrongfully received over $40,000 in combined benefits from the two programs. 

In addition to the five felony counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance, Revenue referred this information to the Inspector Generals at the Department of Human Services and Department of Children, Youth, and Families, as part of a wholistic approach across all state agencies to combat and report fraud.

Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Each wrongfully obtaining assistance felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the department takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. There is a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects that a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws. Local callers may dial 651-297-5195 or call toll-free by dialing 1-800-657-3500. Tips can also be submitted to the department by email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us or through the department’s online fraud reporting form. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. 

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