Boston Activist Monica Cannon-Grant Sentenced to Probation in Federal Fraud Case
BOSTON, Mass. — Monica Cannon-Grant, a prominent Boston social justice advocate once honored as Bostonian of the Year, was sentenced Thursday to four years of probation after pleading guilty to multiple federal fraud charges. The 44-year-old activist and founder of an anti-violence nonprofit admitted to diverting thousands of dollars in COVID-relief funds and rental assistance donations for personal expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Cannon-Grant’s sentencing follows a September 2025 guilty plea to 18 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and failure to file tax returns. Federal prosecutors had recommended an 18-month prison sentence, but U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley ultimately imposed probation and ordered Cannon-Grant to pay $106,003 in restitution.
The case exposed a troubling misuse of funds intended to support communities affected by the pandemic and violence. Cannon-Grant and her late husband, Clark Grant, who was also implicated, operated the nonprofit that received government COVID-relief grants and rental assistance funds. Instead of channeling the money towards community programs, they allegedly funneled it into personal accounts.
Monica Cannon-Grant rose to prominence in Boston as a fierce advocate against violence and systemic inequities. Her work earned her accolades, including the prestigious Bostonian of the Year award, and she was a visible figure at rallies such as the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. However, the fraud case has cast a shadow over her legacy.
The Department of Justice’s investigation revealed a pattern of deceptive financial practices that violated federal laws designed to ensure transparency and accountability in nonprofit organizations. The DOJ emphasized that the misuse of pandemic relief funds undermines trust in critical social services.
Experts note that this case highlights the importance of rigorous oversight of nonprofits, especially those receiving federal funds under programs like the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The pandemic relief measures, administered by the Internal Revenue Service and other agencies, were intended to provide urgent support to vulnerable populations.
While Cannon-Grant avoided incarceration, the restitution order aims to recover some of the misappropriated funds. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for fraud in nonprofit sectors and the necessity for ongoing vigilance by federal authorities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Community leaders and activists have expressed mixed reactions. Some lament the damage to the reputation of social justice movements, while others stress the need to separate individual misconduct from broader efforts to address systemic issues. The sentencing marks a significant moment in Boston’s ongoing dialogue about accountability and integrity within nonprofit organizations.
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