ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota is creating a new top-level fraud watchdog, a move aimed at curbing widespread abuse of taxpayer-funded programs.

At the Capitol Friday, Gov. Tim Walz announced the appointment of Judge Tim O’Malley as the state’s new Director of Program Integrity. The role is designed to oversee fraud prevention efforts across state agencies - including Medicaid programs that have been plagued by extensive abuse. He will be based out of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

O’Malley, currently serving as Interim Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Administrative Hearings, brings decades of law enforcement and legal experience to the newly created role. His career began as a Rochester police officer in 1977, followed by service with the FBI — including time as a SWAT tea

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