Boston Activist Admits to Fraud Charges

A Boston social activist, once celebrated in her community, has now pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud, using funds meant for social justice causes for personal gain.

Monica Cannon Grant, 44, admitted to 18 fraud-related offenses, which she committed alongside her late husband, who passed away during a violent incident in Boston. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts confirmed the details.

Among various funds, Cannon Grant reportedly misappropriated $3,000 intended for a Black Lives Matter initiative, which was connected to the protests following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

In addition, she also learned how to secure $100,000 in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits during that challenging time. However, rather than using the money as intended, it seems she transferred it into personal accounts for rent, shopping, takeout meals, visits to nail salons, and even a summer trip to Maryland.

According to U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, Cannon Grant “repeatedly misappropriated public funds that were donated by individuals who thought they were supporting efforts to address violence and social awareness.” Foley emphasized that Cannon Grant misled donors about her role as a nonprofit organizer, using contributions to satisfy her personal desires and betraying the trust placed in her.

While Cannon Grant faces decades in prison, prosecutors are advocating for a lengthy sentence, possibly amounting to two years behind bars.

Despite her recent legal troubles, Cannon Grant previously gained local recognition, including awards from the Boston Globe Magazine and the Boston Celtics for her community work.

Cannon Grant and her husband were arrested in March 2022, and her husband, Clark Grant, was also federally indicted in the case. Tragically, he died in a motorcycle accident in Easton, Massachusetts, in March 2023, leading to the dismissal of the charges against him.