A figure once celebrated as a champion of Boston’s most vulnerable communities has avoided imprisonment despite a stunning fall from grace. Monica Cannon-Grant, the founder of a prominent anti-violence nonprofit, received four years of probation after pleading guilty to multiple federal fraud charges.
The case revealed a disturbing betrayal of trust. Cannon-Grant and her late husband, Clark Grant, systematically diverted funds intended for their organization, Violence in Boston, into their personal accounts. The scheme involved tens of thousands of dollars in donations, COVID-relief money, and even fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits.
Prosecutors detailed how the couple exploited a system designed to help those in need. They allegedly used nonprofit funds to cover personal expenses like car payments and insurance, while simultaneously collecting nearly $44,000 in unemployment assistance through falsified documents for a family member.
The fraud extended beyond pandemic relief. Cannon-Grant and her husband conspired to deceive Boston’s housing authority, misrepresenting their income to secure $12,600 in rental assistance. This pattern of deception was further compounded by years of filing false or failing to file tax returns.
Just years prior, Cannon-Grant was lauded as “Bostonian of the Year” by the Boston Globe Magazine and honored by the Boston Celtics as a “Hero Among Us” during the height of the George Floyd protests. These accolades recognized her dedication to raising social awareness and aiding community causes.
The revelation of the fraud sent shockwaves through Boston’s activist community. Violence in Boston, the organization she built with her husband, initially suspended programs and announced its closure following her indictment in 2022. Despite this, the organization’s social media presence has remained surprisingly active.
Despite a recommendation from federal prosecutors for an 18-month prison sentence, Judge Angel Kelley opted for probation and ordered Cannon-Grant to pay $106,003 in restitution. Authorities described her actions as “crimes of greed and opportunity,” a stark contrast to the image she once cultivated.
The case serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability within nonprofit organizations and the devastating consequences when trust is broken. It leaves many questioning how a celebrated figure could orchestrate such a calculated scheme.
