A Boston activist, once praised for her work in the community, has avoided prison time after admitting to misusing funds meant to help those in need. Monica Cannon-Grant, the founder of a Boston nonprofit aimed at reducing violence, was sentenced to probation for fraud.
Cannon-Grant, along with her late husband, Clark Grant, pleaded guilty to taking thousands of dollars in donations intended for their nonprofit, Violence in Boston (VIB). The Justice Department reported that she pleaded guilty to 18 of 27 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and failing to file tax returns. These charges stem from a scheme where the couple allegedly used the nonprofit’s funds for their own personal gain.
Despite federal prosecutors recommending an 18-month prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley instead sentenced Cannon-Grant to four years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $106,003 in restitution, meaning she must repay the money she took.
According to Nicolas Bucciarelli, acting inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, Cannon-Grant’s actions were “crimes of greed and opportunity.”
The couple was accused of misusing COVID-relief funds and rental assistance money meant for their nonprofit. They also allegedly collected about $100,000 in illegal unemployment benefits. VIB, which they founded, was supposed to raise awareness and support community causes in Boston.
Authorities say the couple received nearly $54,000 in pandemic relief funds. Instead of using it for the community, they allegedly used some of the money to pay for their car loan and insurance.
In addition, they are accused of defrauding Boston’s Office of Housing Stability by lying about their income to get $12,600 in rental assistance. They also allegedly submitted false employment documents to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance so that a family member could receive nearly $44,000 in unemployment benefits.
Prosecutors also stated that Cannon-Grant filed false tax returns for 2017 and 2018 and failed to file tax returns for 2019 and 2020.
Cannon-Grant was a prominent figure in Boston’s activist community. She received several awards, including Bostonian of the Year from Boston Globe Magazine and a Boston Celtics Heroes Among Us award in 2020, during the protests following George Floyd’s death.
Following Cannon-Grant’s indictment in 2022, VIB announced it was suspending all programs and closing down.
This case raises questions about the oversight of nonprofit organizations and the responsibility of those in positions of trust. When individuals entrusted with helping others misuse funds for personal gain, it undermines the public’s faith in these organizations and their ability to serve the community. It also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in the nonprofit sector to ensure that donations are used as intended and that those who abuse their positions are held responsible.
