Maine Lawmaker Demands Probe After Alleged Medicaid Billing Scheme; Founder Accused Of Funding Somali Militias

A Maine lawmaker and federal oversight officials are pressing for investigations after whistleblowers accused Gateway Community Services of submitting false Medicaid claims and its founder of sending money home that he said helped armed groups in Somalia.

Allegations From Former Employees

Christopher Bernardini, who says he worked at Gateway as a program coordinator from May 2018 until April 2025, told NewsNation and congressional staff that the company routinely filed inaccurate client visit records. Bernardini alleges employees manipulated an electronic monitoring system and timecards so it appeared field staff had visited low-income and disabled clients when they had not. According to him, Gateway then billed Maine’s Medicaid program for services that were not provided.

“They altered records and time entries to show services that never took place,” Bernardini said in an interview with NewsNation.

Founder’s Alleged Statements And Response

Separately, Abdullahi Ali, founder of Gateway Community Services, reportedly told Kenyan media that money he sent to Somalia had been used to support armed forces. A statement posted on his campaign media page quoted him saying: “When I was away and abroad, the financial contributions I was sending back were being used to support the forces for buying bullets, ammunition and food.” NewsNation and The Maine Wire first highlighted the interview.

Ali later posted on X defending his actions and his record in Maine, writing that he built a business, earned a PhD, supported his local community and was proud to assist people in Somalia. He denied the broader accusations reported by some outlets and called some coverage "fabricated false stories."

Political And Federal Reaction

State Sen. Matt Harrington (R) urged Governor Janet Mills to open an investigation, calling the reported conduct an affront to Maine taxpayers. NewsNation says it repeatedly attempted to reach Ali, including visiting Gateway’s offices, and contacted state officials for comment.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said alleged Medicaid fraud schemes appear to be part of a "very organized" multi-state pattern and encouraged additional whistleblowers to come forward confidentially. Comer called for stricter oversight and tighter recertification standards for social programs including Medicaid, SNAP and housing assistance.

Corroboration And Ongoing Inquiries

An additional former Gateway employee, who requested anonymity because they remain employed in Maine social services, corroborated claims of manipulated timecards and falsified records. Following the reporting, Bernardini spoke with staff from the House Oversight Committee about his experience.

What’s Next

The allegations are under review by state and federal actors. No criminal findings have been announced publicly at this time. The reporting includes first-hand accusations from former employees and a public statement by Ali acknowledging he sent funds to Somalia; however, he denies wrongdoing related to Medicaid billing. Officials and investigators will determine next steps, including whether audits or formal probes are warranted.