Monica Cannon-Grant, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Violence in Boston (VIB), pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple fraud charges related to her operation of the nonprofit. The plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley, with sentencing scheduled for January 29, 2026.
Cannon-Grant, 44, of Taunton, admitted guilt to 18 counts including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, filing false tax returns for two years, and failing to file tax returns for another two years. Her husband and co-conspirator Clark Grant had been charged alongside her but his charges were dismissed following his death in May 2023.
Violence in Boston was established as an anti-violence organization in 2017 with the aim of reducing violence and supporting community causes in Greater Boston. However, authorities allege that Cannon-Grant used her position to misrepresent her compensation status while diverting donor funds for personal expenses through various means such as cash withdrawals and transfers to personal accounts.
According to court documents and statements made at the plea hearing, Cannon-Grant obtained thousands of dollars from donors under false pretenses and submitted fraudulent applications for public and private grants. One example cited is her use of VIB to secure approximately $53,977 from the Boston Resiliency Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic; she then withdrew around $30,000 in cash and made deposits into her own checking account without reporting these personal uses as required.
Cannon-Grant also concealed household income information when applying for $12,600 in rental assistance from Boston’s Office of Housing Stability. Additionally, she filed fraudulent claims with the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance during the pandemic by falsely certifying unemployment status while receiving income.
The legal penalties for these offenses vary: each count of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, or mail fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison along with fines up to $250,000; filing false tax returns can result in up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $100,000; failure to file a tax return may lead to one year in prison and a fine up to $25,000. Actual sentences will be determined by the judge according to federal guidelines.
“Monica Cannon-Grant repeatedly scammed multiple public financial programs and stole money donated by members of the public who believed their donations would aid in reducing violence and promote social awareness. Instead, Cannon-Grant used donations to satisfy her own greed, while falsely portraying herself as a legitimate nonprofit organizer. She betrayed the trust of everyone who donated and the public who supported her fraudulent charity,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s plea demonstrates once again that no one is above the rule of law.”
“Today’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to investigating and holding accountable anyone who commits fraud. Ms. Cannon-Grant defrauded several state programs and exploited her position in the community to line her own pockets,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “This investigation showcases the results that postal inspectors strive to achieve in collaboration with our law enforcement partners. The successful resolution through a plea is a result of the strong investigative work, dedication and partnership of postal inspectors and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I commend the relentless work and commitment to ensuring justice was achieved by all those involved.”
“Monica Cannon-Grant illegally enriched herself as part of a scheme that fraudulently diverted vital taxpayer resources away from those in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Jonathan R. Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Deitch and Dustin Chao from the Public Corruption Unit following investigations led by multiple agencies including federal postal inspectors and officials from several inspector general offices.
In response to increased incidents involving misuse of pandemic relief funds across government programs during COVID-19 disruptions—including cases like this—federal agencies have worked together under initiatives such as the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force which coordinates efforts among law enforcement entities nationwide.
Members of the public can report suspected attempts at COVID-related financial fraud via the National Center for Disaster Fraud Web Complaint Form or by calling 866-720-5721.
