A Tale of Misused Funds: Two Activists Face Big Consequences
Boston Activist Misuses COVID Relief Funds
Monica Cannon‑Grant, a 44‑year‑old activist in Boston, was found to have siphoned over $100,000 from COVID relief and other donations intended for community support.
Instead of aiding those in need, she used the money to:
- Pay for her own trips
- Purchase cars
- Cover personal meals
In January, a federal judge imposed the following penalties:
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Home confinement | 6 months |
| Probation | 4 years |
| Community work | 100 hours |
| Repayment | $106,003 |
A subsequent court order added an additional $224,063 that she must return.
The misappropriated funds came from:
- Her nonprofit Violence in Boston
- Pandemic unemployment benefits
- Rental assistance programs
Prosecutors claim that Cannon‑Grant and her husband spent the money on vacations, car rentals, and fine dining while raising more than $1 million for the charity.
Parallel Case in Oklahoma
Another BLM leader, Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson of Oklahoma, faced indictment on 25 counts of fraud and money laundering. She allegedly diverted:
- $5.6 million raised for the movement
- About $3.5 million to her personal accounts
The funds were used for:
- Vacation homes
- Shopping sprees
- Personal meals
The Bigger Picture
Both cases illustrate how influential individuals can abuse charitable funds. Courts are now enforcing restitution and imposing strict penalties to protect public trust.
