Authorities say a Norwood Young America man already on probation for tax crimes is back in trouble, this time accused of hiding nearly $2 million in income while collecting tens of thousands of dollars in public benefits he allegedly did not qualify for.
Andrew Freeburg was charged Tuesday with 11 felony counts that accuse him of filing false tax returns, skipping a required filing and wrongfully receiving SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits. Prosecutors say Freeburg underreported close to $2 million in wages and business income, failed to file his 2022 state return and still collected more than $40,000 in benefits during years when his income was allegedly too high to qualify. Officials note the alleged scheme unfolded while Freeburg was on probation in an earlier tax case.
According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Carver County prosecutors charged Freeburg 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 and five felony counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance. Investigators with the department say the returns Freeburg did file understated his income by almost $2 million and that he now owes more than $186,000 in state income taxes for tax years 2020 through 2024. The department also says the benefit-related allegations were sent to inspector generals at the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth and Families for further review.
What prosecutors say he did
Prosecutors allege Freeburg set up a fictitious company called E-Motors, then ran personal spending through its accounts, including gym memberships, restaurant bills and travel, as reported by WJON. Reporting by WCCO adds that people listed as staff on the E-Motors website told investigators they had never worked there. Freeburg is also accused of portraying the business as owned by his elderly father while charging nearly daily Starbucks visits and other personal expenses to company accounts.
Background: earlier case and court orders
Freeburg is no stranger to tax courtrooms. Local coverage shows he previously faced a separate round of tax-related charges, ultimately pleading guilty in an earlier case and receiving probation with a stay of adjudication in February 2024. Coverage by MN Crime notes that the prior matter included a restitution order topping $420,000, which Freeburg later challenged. According to the outlet, investigators launched a fresh review of his filings in January 2025 that led to the new complaint, and Freeburg has been summoned into court with an initial appearance set for March 13.
Penalties and what’s next
The Department of Revenue says each of the tax-related felonies carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Each count of wrongfully obtaining public assistance carries a potential maximum of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Officials say the department is working with Carver County prosecutors as part of a broader state push to claw back improperly paid benefits and tighten tax compliance. Freeburg remains presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court, and the case is scheduled to move forward at his March hearing.
Local context
The case lands as Minnesota steps up scrutiny of both tax fraud and abuse of public benefit programs, with state watchdogs pointing to long-standing gaps in oversight. As WCCO reported, the state’s program integrity director has publicly pushed for stronger checks and better coordination among agencies to cut down on improper payments. Carver County officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Freeburg’s latest charges.
