Monica Cannon-Grant, a far-left activist from Boston, has admitted to significant fraud in federal court. The founder of a nonprofit organization called Violence in Boston, she pled guilty to 18 counts, including wire fraud and filing false tax returns. Cannon-Grant used her position to mislead donors and government agencies while lining her own pockets with the funds meant to support anti-violence efforts.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that Cannon-Grant “repeatedly scammed multiple public financial programs and stole money donated by members of the public who believed their donations would aid in reducing violence and promote social awareness.” U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized that instead of using contributions for their intended purpose, Cannon-Grant used donations to “satisfy her own greed.”
Her actions are troubling, revealing a layer of corruption within the activist community. Cannon-Grant siphoned thousands of dollars from her organization to pay for personal expenses, including rent, meals, and vacations. Reports indicate that her lavish lifestyle included visits to nail salons, funded by those who believed they were supporting a cause. The New York Post highlighted her exploitation of relief funds, noting she defrauded the Boston Resiliency Fund of nearly $54,000 and collected $12,600 in rental aid by concealing her true income.
Additionally, she reportedly stole nearly $100,000 in federal unemployment benefits, all while claiming to have no income from her nonprofit, which ironically was paying her a salary. More alarmingly, she pocketed $3,000 from a Black Lives Matter group that thought their funds would go toward food for children and protests.
Before her downfall, Cannon-Grant gained recognition and accolades, which helped her raise funds for her nonprofit. Ironically, those rewards—once seen as a testament to her activism—now serve as a backdrop to her fraud. Her activism did not just end with her guilty plea; the organization she founded shuttered its operations in 2024, signaling a collapse built on dishonesty.
Cannon-Grant’s case highlights a wider trend among certain activist groups that have been accused of prioritizing personal gain over genuine social justice. The Black Lives Matter movement, for instance, has faced scrutiny for financial misconduct, including the purchase of a $6 million mansion in California, allegedly funded by donations given for civil rights causes. Critics have pointed out a recurring pattern: creating social unrest, promising change, and ultimately exploiting goodwill for personal enrichment.
As Cannon-Grant faces the possibility of 64 years in prison, her story serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within activist circles. While many individuals enter activism with noble intentions, some may prioritize their financial interests over the causes they claim to support. The repercussions of such actions can ripple through the community, eroding trust among citizens and donors who truly wish to contribute to meaningful change.
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