Tony Robinson, 41, of Minneapolis appeared in federal court Monday, facing charges of wire fraud and conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said Robinson is accused of participating in a fraud scheme with Tezzaree El-Amin Champion that targeted various government and private grant programs.
Robinson, the operations director at Minneapolis-based non-profit Encouraging Leaders, allegedly helped Champion submit false grant applications and reports. Investigators said the fraudulent actions involved retaining grant funds meant for legitimate purposes.
The scheme reportedly spanned from December 2021 to October 2022. Robinson allegedly collaborated with a freelance worker in Africa to create false reports that exaggerated or fabricated the organization’s involvement in events and assistance to students.
Federal prosecutors said the scheme caused over $1 million in losses.
Champion, who previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $3,479,575 in restitution. Judge Katherine M. Menendez called Champion’s actions “relentless” and “disturbing.”
The investigation involved the United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Leave a Reply