BOSTON Monica Cannon-Grant, the prominent activist once honored as "Bostonian of the Year," has been ordered to forfeit $224,063 following a federal investigation into her financial dealings. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley signed the order this week, mandating the return of funds Cannon-Grant siphoned from her nonprofit, "Violence in Boston" (VIB).
This forfeiture order comes just two months after her January sentencing, where she received four years of probation and six months of house arrest. The court determined the $224,063 represents criminal proceeds, including $181,000 in diverted donations and over $33,000 in fraudulent pandemic unemployment benefits.
Cannon-Grant, 44, pleaded guilty in September to 18 federal charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and filing false tax returns. Prosecutors detailed a multi-year pattern of deception where the activist used charitable donations meant for community safety to fund a lavish personal lifestyle.
Court documents reveal that ill-gotten gains were spent on luxury shopping sprees, frequent restaurant meals, car payments, and a summer vacation to Maryland. Evidence also showed she defrauded the City of Boston's rental assistance program and siphoned $3,000 from a local Black Lives Matter group.
Cannon-Grant’s rise to prominence began during the 2020 social justice protests following the death of George Floyd. During that era, she received numerous accolades, including the Boston Celtics' "Heroes Among Us" award and being featured on the cover of Boston Globe Magazine.
However, federal investigators found she was simultaneously collecting thousands in unemployment benefits while being gainfully employed. In one text message revealed during the proceedings, Cannon-Grant reportedly told her late husband, “Unemployment caught my ass!” after learning of the investigation.
Her husband and co-conspirator, Clark Grant, died in a motorcycle accident in 2023, leading to the dismissal of charges against him. The total financial penalty for Cannon-Grant now exceeds $330,000 when combined with restitution previously ordered in January. Federal officials stated the ruling ensures that resources intended for the needy are finally accounted for.