ST.PAUL, Minn. —Governor Tim Walz confirmed he has created a new Office of Program Integrity to catch fraudulent claims early. In charge, Walz said, would be Tim O’Malley, a former superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. O’Malley also has been a judge, an FBI agent, and an architect of reforms for the Catholic Archdiocese after dozens of Choir Boy abuses were uncovered. Walz has beneen dogged for weeks by right-wing claims of culpability, some false, for state payments on fraudulent claims for Medicaid and other assistance programs. The most bombastic exaggerated claims have come from President Trump in revengeful broadsides to demonize Walz, who opposed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump has failed to substantiate his claims with evidence, although there indeed have been losses to fraud in some state-administered programs. At theWalz news conference announcing the appointment, O;Malley said the governor has given him a free hand as an independent agent — kind of anti-fraud czar.
O’Malley. Has autonomy for unfetterd queries to head off fraudulent claims and to come up with fail-proof.
Verbatim
O’Malley: “I’m honored that Governor Walz has asked me to assist in combating fraud here. I’m not here to serve any individual, and I’m not here to serve a political party. I’m here to serve Minnesotans.”