Minnesota crime prevention group accused of $6.5 million fraud scheme
A government-funded community peacekeeping organization championed by Minnesota Democrats as an alternative to traditional policing is accused of diverting over $6.5 million in charitable assets toward luxury cars, trips to Las Vegas, and child support payments as part of a self-dealing scheme.
TL;DR
- We Push for Peace, a community peacekeeping nonprofit, faces civil fraud charges for allegedly diverting over $6.5 million in charitable assets.
- The funds were allegedly used for personal expenses including luxury cars, Las Vegas trips, and child support payments.
- The organization's former director, Trahern Pollard, is accused of personally benefiting from over $6 million of the stolen funds.
- We Push for Peace received government grants after the "defund the police" movement and was promoted by Democratic leaders.
- Authorities allege Pollard circumvented background checks by classifying workers as contractors and misused funds to finance personal businesses.
- The organization is now defunct due to the alleged financial mismanagement.
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that Pollard and ex-treasurer Jaclyn McGuigan lied during the fraud investigation.
- Pollard has a prior criminal conviction for theft by swindling.