A chilling pattern is emerging in Columbus, Ohio, as investigative journalists begin to uncover evidence suggesting the existence of “ghost” daycare centers. These facilities, seemingly operating on paper, appear vacant and devoid of the children they claim to serve.
The investigation was sparked by explosive reports from Minnesota, where YouTuber Nick Shirley documented a network of allegedly fraudulent daycare operations. His viral videos detailed claims of billions in federal funds being improperly claimed for nonexistent childcare, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability.
Journalists with Muckraker visited the Great Minds Learning Academy on East 5th Avenue, a licensed center authorized for 36 children. What they found was deeply unsettling: an empty building, silent and locked during operating hours. No signs of life, no laughter, no indication that children were ever present.
A local resident, interviewed by the team, stated plainly, “I’ve never seen nobody come out the building or go in the building.” This sentiment was echoed by another neighbor, who confirmed a complete lack of observed activity, despite the center’s official status.
The team meticulously checked for alternative entrances, searching for any sign of operation. Their efforts yielded nothing – no vehicles, no staff, no children. The facility remained stubbornly, eerily empty, a stark contrast to its advertised purpose.
This investigation in Ohio directly follows Shirley’s groundbreaking work in Minnesota, which ignited a national conversation about potential fraud within the childcare system. His reporting alleged that numerous facilities were falsely receiving federal reimbursements.
Shirley’s videos quickly went viral, prompting an immediate response from federal authorities. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security announced they were dedicating increased resources to investigate the allegations in Minnesota.
The situation echoes previous scandals, including the “Feeding Our Future” case, where nearly 100 individuals have been charged with stealing over $250 million intended for child nutrition programs. The scale of potential fraud is staggering.
Columbus, Ohio, is home to a significant Somali migrant population – over 45,000 people, making it the second-largest such community in the United States after Minneapolis. Great Minds Learning Academy is reportedly connected to the Somali Education & Resource Center network.
The unfolding investigation raises critical questions about the allocation of federal funds and the need for rigorous oversight to ensure resources reach the children they are intended to serve. The silence surrounding these empty buildings speaks volumes, hinting at a deeper, more troubling reality.
