ROCHESTER — A former operator of two Rochester child care locations has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding a Minnesota wage-reimbursement program of more than $426,000, according to court documents.
Federal prosecutors say Jillaine Mertens ran Creative Stars Academy sites in Rochester and Kasson and operated Tree of Life Academy in Ramsey. Between November 2024 and May 2025, she submitted a series of reimbursement applications to the state through the Provider Hub that overstated staffing and hours worked, drawing program funds the government alleges were not earned.
Allegations, amounts and plea terms
Prosecutors allege Mertens sought payment for at least 23 individuals who never worked at the centers and inflated hours for 11 other employees. One cited example in court filings shows an application submitted March 22, 2025, claiming roughly $618 for 200 hours of care by a person who was not employed at Tree of Life.
"She falsely claimed reimbursement for employees and hours that were not actually worked," the plea agreement said.
Under the plea, Mertens waived a trial and agreed to repay $426,382 in restitution. She also agreed to forfeit an equal amount. The government will not pursue additional charges related to the investigation as part of the agreement, and Mertens waived most appeal rights.
| Figure | Amount / Count |
|---|---|
| Program funds obtained (alleged) | $426,882 |
| Restitution agreed | $426,382 |
| Individuals falsely claimed | 23 |
| Employees with inflated hours | 11 |
Potential sentence and local stakes
Mertens faces a maximum statutory prison term of 20 years for the wire-fraud charge, and sentencing guidelines cited in court papers suggest a range of about 21 to 27 months, though the judge is not bound by that range. She also could receive up to three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000.
The case underscores scrutiny of the Minnesota Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program, a state initiative that reimburses child care providers for employee wages. For Olmsted County and surrounding communities, the prosecution highlights risks to public funds and the integrity of subsidy programs that support early childhood workforce retention.
- Local child care providers rely on reimbursements to retain staff.
- Successful fraud prosecutions can prompt tighter oversight at the state level.
- Families and county administrators may face short-term disruption if providers lose funding or close.
Sentencing dates and further judicial proceedings were not immediately available in court records. Federal authorities will oversee collection of restitution and forfeiture ordered under the plea agreement.
