The founder of a St. Louis nonprofit organization has been indicted for allegedly defrauding the state of over $2 million intended for feeding children in need. Cymone McClellan, 31, faces multiple felony charges related to her actions between January 2019 and June 2022.
Court documents reveal that McClellan, who operated the nonprofit Sisters of Lavender Rose, submitted reimbursement claims to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. She claimed to have served a staggering 860,876 meals, but investigations indicate that she only purchased enough food and milk to serve fewer than 25% of those meals.
In an attempt to conceal her fraudulent activities, McClellan allegedly provided the state with bogus sign-in sheets, falsely asserting that she had taken attendance at various food distribution sites. Notably, one of the addresses she provided was linked to an adults-only nightclub named Elmo’s Love Lounge.
The indictment outlines that McClellan misused the funds for personal gain, including:
The court is seeking the forfeiture of these assets as part of the legal proceedings.
If convicted, McClellan faces severe penalties, including:
This case has raised significant concerns within the St. Louis community, particularly regarding the integrity of nonprofit organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Many local residents are calling for stricter oversight and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the legal process unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for justice and a restoration of trust in organizations dedicated to helping those in need.
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