Maine Republicans are calling for an immediate investigation into whistleblower allegations that Gateway Community Services, a nonprofit working with Somali immigrants, drastically overbilled the state’s welfare system. Party leaders say they have filed a public records request with State Auditor Matt Dunlap to uncover complaints, tips, and other records related to potential fraud or overbilling by nonprofits and third‑party providers.
Maine GOP Chairman Jim Deyermond pointed to claims by a former employee that Gateway submitted false MaineCare (Medicaid) claims for behavioral health services that were never provided. Gateway is based in Lewiston and led by a Somali‑American CEO. Deyermond insisted the nonprofit’s political connections should not shield it from scrutiny.
“After seeing reports of millions of dollars in overbilling in Maine’s welfare system and hundreds of millions of dollars in no‑bid contracts, the taxpayers of Maine deserve to know what measures have been taken to protect them,” Deyermond said in a statement. “Just because these folks are politically connected doesn’t mean they’re above the law.”
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has acknowledged audits showing Gateway was overpaid by $662,608, and the state is pursuing repayment. DHHS also said it refers suspected fraud cases to the state attorney general’s office for further action.
Christopher Bernardini, a former Gateway program coordinator from 2018 to 2025, told NewsNation that the company billed taxpayers for services not rendered and falsified records to hide the discrepancies. Bernardini added that he filed a complaint with Auditor Dunlap’s office, but said it took months for the office to respond.
Gateway has strongly denied the whistleblower’s claims, pointing out that the state audits did not conclude that services were billed fraudulently. The nonprofit said it follows strict billing and compliance protocols and has cooperated fully with state oversight. Gateway also warned that the allegations have fueled threats against the Somali community, which have drawn criticism from President Donald Trump.
Maine Republicans have also criticized Auditor Matt Dunlap, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Maine’s Second Congressional District. They allege his office failed to act on the whistleblower’s complaint. “From what we can see in news reports, the biggest concern … was not the fraud being reported, but whether the whistleblower had told the feds,” Deyermond said. “The people deserve to see the numbers and decide for themselves if anyone is investigating these allegations and looking out for their interests.”
