Boston, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Monica Cannon-Grant has pleaded guilty to 18 counts of fraud related to her nonprofit, Violence in Boston. Federal prosecutors revealed charges of wire fraud and tax offenses where Cannon-Grant misappropriated donor funds for personal use. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026, as prosecutors recommend an 18 to 24-month prison term. The nonprofit, once aimed at reducing violence, has been inactive since July 2022 following the indictment.
Boston — Monica Cannon-Grant pleaded guilty to 18 of 27 counts related to fraud involving her nonprofit organization, Violence in Boston. Federal prosecutors say the charges include a range of fraud and tax offenses, and sentencing is set for January 29, 2026.
Top details
The charges include wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, mail fraud, filing false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns. Prosecutors say Cannon-Grant admitted to misusing funds donated to her organization and to submitting false or incomplete tax filings for multiple years.
Cannon-Grant admitted to misusing donated funds for personal expenses, which she falsely presented as going towards community initiatives. Federal filings describe personal spending that prosecutors say was covered up as nonprofit activity or community work.
U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley described Cannon-Grant as having scammed public financial programs and misappropriated donor contributions meant to reduce violence and promote social awareness. Prosecutors are seeking a federal sentence in line with the plea and outlined sentencing recommendations to the court.
Supporting facts and alleged schemes
Cannon-Grant’s sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2026. With the guilty plea entered, the previously scheduled trial will not proceed.
She and her late husband, Clark Grant, were indicted on federal fraud charges in 2022 after an investigation revealed the couple diverted funds from their nonprofit for personal use, including hotel stays, gas, dining, travel, and salon expenses. The indictment led to a broader investigation of the nonprofit’s finances and related benefit and relief claims.
The couple allegedly collected approximately $100,000 in illegal unemployment benefits and fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds amounting to about $53,000. Federal prosecutors say the benefits and relief funds were obtained by misrepresenting eligibility and income.
In July 2022, Violence in Boston suspended all programs and ceased operations. The shutdown followed the indictment and the ensuing halt in program activity and fundraising.
Cannon-Grant and her late husband allegedly withdrew about $30,000 in cash from the nonprofit’s bank account and concealed income to obtain $12,600 in rental assistance from the City of Boston. Prosecutors allege those actions were part of repeated efforts to hide funds and misstate financial circumstances to agencies and donors.
Clark Grant passed away in a motorcycle accident in March 2023, prior to which he was a co-defendant in the case. His death occurred after the 2022 indictment and before resolution of the federal charges.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Cannon-Grant owned up to tens of thousands of dollars that she received from the nonprofit and from consulting contracts but did not report it on her tax returns. The government’s filings say that unreported income included payments tied to the nonprofit and outside consulting work.
Cannon-Grant was reported to have filed false tax returns for 2017 and 2018 and failed to file returns for 2019 and 2020. Those tax allegations are part of the count set addressed by the guilty plea.
The couple allegedly engaged in conspiracies related not only to their nonprofit but also to defraud the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and other agencies. The federal case covers alleged conspiracies involving multiple public and private financial programs.
Background on the nonprofit and public recognition
The nonprofit, founded in 2017, originally aimed to serve community causes and combat violence, and at one point raised over $1 million. The organization had public visibility in the city and conducted programs and outreach prior to suspending operations.
Cannon-Grant had been recognized for her activism, receiving accolades such as Bostonian of the Year and Heroes Among Us from the Boston Celtics. Those recognitions were cited as part of her public profile before the federal case.
As a consequence of her guilty plea, federal prosecutors are suggesting a sentence of 18 to 24 months in prison. Sentencing recommendations are advisory to the court, which will determine the final sentence at the January 29, 2026 hearing.
Cannon-Grant’s trial, originally set to begin soon, will not proceed due to her guilty plea. The plea resolves the scheduled trial date and moves the matter to sentencing.
Next steps in the case
- Federal court will hold a sentencing hearing on January 29, 2026.
- Prosecutors have filed sentencing recommendations; the judge will issue the final sentence after considering those submissions and any defense materials.
- The nonprofit remains inactive since July 2022 and has suspended all programs.
Context
The case touches on broader topics of nonprofit governance, donor oversight, and accountability for organizations that receive public relief funds and private donations. Federal authorities pursued both fraud and tax counts, reflecting alleged misuse of donated funds and unexplained or unreported income. The court process now moves from trial preparation to sentencing following the guilty plea.
FAQ
What plea did Monica Cannon-Grant enter?
Monica Cannon-Grant pleaded guilty to 18 of 27 counts related to fraud involving her nonprofit organization, Violence in Boston.
What charges were brought against her?
The charges include wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, mail fraud, filing false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns.
Did Cannon-Grant misuse donated funds?
Cannon-Grant admitted to misusing donated funds for personal expenses, which she falsely presented as going towards community initiatives.
What did the U.S. Attorney say about the case?
U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley described Cannon-Grant as having scammed public financial programs and misappropriated donor contributions meant to reduce violence and promote social awareness.
When is sentencing scheduled?
Cannon-Grant’s sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2026.
What did the 2022 indictment allege about the Grants’ spending?
She and her late husband, Clark Grant, were indicted on federal fraud charges in 2022 after an investigation revealed the couple diverted funds from their nonprofit for personal use, including hotel stays, gas, dining, travel, and salon expenses.
Were unemployment and pandemic relief funds involved?
The couple allegedly collected approximately $100,000 in illegal unemployment benefits and fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds amounting to about $53,000.
What happened to Violence in Boston?
In July 2022, Violence in Boston suspended all programs and ceased operations.
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Key case facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Monica Cannon-Grant |
| Organization | Violence in Boston (founded in 2017) |
| Plea | Pleaded guilty to 18 of 27 counts |
| Charges | Wire fraud; wire fraud conspiracy; mail fraud; filing false tax returns; failing to file tax returns |
| Alleged improper benefits & funds | Approximately $100,000 in illegal unemployment benefits; about $53,000 in pandemic relief funds |
| Other alleged financial actions | About $30,000 withdrawn in cash; $12,600 rental assistance obtained after alleged income concealment |
| Tax years in dispute | Filed false tax returns for 2017 and 2018; failed to file returns for 2019 and 2020 |
| Sentencing | Hearing scheduled for January 29, 2026; prosecutors suggest 18 to 24 months in prison |
| Operational status | In July 2022, Violence in Boston suspended all programs and ceased operations |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Boston.com
- CBS News
- WCVB
- Wikipedia: Monica Cannon-Grant
- Google Search: Monica Cannon-Grant
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
