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Activist Accused of Misusing Non-Profit Funds: A Deep Dive into the Allegations

Brandon Anderson, a prominent activist known for his efforts to abolish the police, is facing serious allegations of misusing funds from his non-profit organization, Raheem AI. According to a report by The New York Times, Anderson allegedly spent thousands of dollars on personal expenses, raising questions about the integrity of his leadership.

Key Takeaways

Brandon Anderson, founder of Raheem AI, is accused of misusing non-profit funds.
Allegations include spending on vacation rentals, luxury clothing, and personal services.
The non-profit’s board members have refuted Anderson’s claims of approved expenses.
An investigation by the Attorney General of Washington, D.C., is underway.

Background

Brandon Anderson founded Raheem AI, an organization aimed at eliminating the need for police, and later rebranded it as Community Response Works. Described as a "Black queer abolitionist organizer," Anderson has been a vocal advocate for police reform. However, recent allegations have cast a shadow over his activism.

Allegations of Misuse

According to the New York Times, Anderson allegedly used some of the $1.6 million in donations for personal expenses. These include:

$80,000 on vacation homes and a service allowing stays in mansions worldwide.
$46,000 on ride-share services like Uber and Lyft.
$5,000 on veterinary care.
$1,500 at a chiropractor.
$11,000 on shopping trips, including $2,800 at luxury handbag store Bottega Veneta and $2,000 at Bloomingdale’s.

Board’s Response

The non-profit’s board members have refuted Anderson’s claims that these expenses were approved. The board began investigating over $250,000 in charges after former employee Jasmine Banks found a suspicious $1,500 hotel charge. Anderson allegedly posted a picture of himself in a pool in Cancún, Mexico, the same week the bill was paid.

Investigation and Resignations

When the board members disagreed on firing Anderson, both resigned. Banks then contacted the Attorney General of Washington, D.C., for assistance in obtaining unpaid back wages. A unit that investigates non-profit fraud has since opened a probe.

Anderson’s Defense

Anderson has denied the allegations, stating that they are "rife with untruths." He argued that individual expenditures are easy to mischaracterize without context. "The bottom line is simply that it didn’t work, and as the leader of that effort I share most of the blame," he said.

Conclusion

The allegations against Brandon Anderson have sparked a significant controversy, raising questions about the management and oversight of non-profit organizations. As the investigation continues, the future of Community Response Works and its mission remains uncertain.