An Edina-based autism services provider that has collected at least $2.5 million in taxpayer money has sent Alpha News a no-trespass letter barring the outlet’s journalists from its property and warning that “Edina Police Department will be called to arrest you” should they return.
The order follows Alpha News reporting that examined autism and adult day care providers receiving large sums of public funding while at times appearing to operate with little visible activity.
The letter, dated Dec. 30, 2025, warns that it prohibits Alpha News reporter Liz Collin and this reporter from being “in or around the premises” of Ausome Development Center Inc. at 5624 Lincoln Drive, Suite 295, “for any reason whatsoever.”
“If you are seen in or around the premises … you will be considered a ‘TRESPASSER’ and Edina Police Department will be called to arrest you,” the letter states.
The notice, signed by owner Gulled Hodleh, states that a copy was being sent to the Edina Police Department. However, a department representative told Alpha News earlier this month that they have no record of receiving the written no-trespass letter.
The letter does not dispute any facts reported by Alpha News.
Staff onsite
When Alpha News visited the Edina location, tipsters had described it as a children’s autism center where “no children are ever seen,” despite regular vehicle traffic.
During the visit, reporters observed no children on site. Three adult employees were present and appeared defensive when asked basic questions. At some point while Alpha News journalists were there, someone called police.
As reporters left the area, a BMW with tinted windows followed their vehicle.
Alpha News later contacted Hodleh for comment. He claimed reporters had trespassed and said he had gone to the Edina Police Department while journalists were on site.
“I would appreciate you do not call my phone again,” Hodleh said before hanging up.
Stock photos, real money
Following the visit, Alpha News reviewed Ausome’s website and found that multiple images appear to be stock photos and do not correspond with the location visited by reporters.
The property where Ausome leases space is a two-story commercial office building. However, photos on Ausome’s website show settings that differ from what reporters observed.
One image appears to depict a ground-floor playroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. Another image shows what appears to be a classroom on a higher floor, with tall windows overlooking a multi-colored, high-rise building.
The website’s “testimonial” section also contains a misspelling, using “costumer” instead of customer.
Breakdown of payments
Public payment records show Ausome Development Center has received at least $2.5 million in taxpayer funding. State payment data — reported by fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30 — shows the following totals:
Fiscal year 2026: $780,223
Fiscal year 2025: $1,198,345
Fiscal year 2024: $502,637
Fiscal year 2026 includes payments issued during the latter half of 2025.
Unlike adult day care providers, autism service providers operating under Minnesota’s Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) program are not required to hold a state license — an issue that has drawn increased scrutiny amid widespread fraud investigations in Minnesota’s human services system.
Another autism center demands $100,000 from Alpha News
Last month, one of the owners of a Burnsville autism therapy business threatened Alpha News with a defamation lawsuit after the outlet reported the facility billed nearly $2 million in public funds despite little noticed on-site activity — including no children observed during visits and weeks of reviewed surveillance.
Fountain Autism Center LLC and co-owner Sharmake Hassan, through their attorney, issued a demand letter accusing Alpha News of libel and demanding a full retraction and $100,000 over reporting that raised questions about whether the center was providing services in line with the taxpayer dollars it received.
Alpha News’ attorney, Chris Madel, fired back — telling them exactly what to expect if they pursue a lawsuit.
“I would love to delve into discovery of your client’s ‘business’ to show exactly what is transpiring within it. I am ready, willing, and able to use the law to ferret out another fraud committed on Minnesota taxpayers,” Madel wrote in his response. “If your client decides to sue, our response can be found in three words: Bring. It. On.”
Public concern
Alpha News has received additional tips from Minnesotans concerned about Ausome’s operations. One tipster said that after watching Alpha News’ reporting, they attempted to contact Ausome “several times,” but the phone line was either busy or went to voicemail.
The individual said that after they left a message for the owner, they received “dozens” of calls from a blocked number and wound up turning their phone off.
Alpha News called the number listed on the website three times, and each time a recording stated that the line “is busy and cannot take your call.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
