Minneapolis News Crime

Fraud uncovered: Non-profit leaders in Minneapolis charged

A.J. O'Leary 0
A Norfolk man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for shooting and killing 44-year-old Bradley Kristoffer Kortbawi outside a Ghent apartment building in the summer of 2024. According to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, 57-year-old Vandes Jackson received his sentence Friday after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of murder. The two-day trial took place in September, and jurors deliberated for about 30 minutes before finding Jackson guilty. The shooting happened shortly after midnight on July 6, 2024, on Core Avenue. Kortbawi had been outside an apartment building smoking a cigarette and talking with two friends — one of whom lived in the building — when Jackson, a neighbor, approached. Prosecutors said Jackson claimed he heard someone in the group use a racial slur he found offensive. Kortbawi and his friends told him no such comment had been made. As Kortbawi turned his head away, Jackson pulled a gun from his pocket, placed it against Kortbawi’s temple, and fired, killing him instantly. When one of the witnesses, shocked, said Jackson had just shot her friend, he allegedly replied, “Then call the police,” and walked away. Dispatch records show Jackson called 911 at 12:39 a.m. — before the shooting — asking for police assistance because of the alleged slur. The operator told him not to confront the group. Jackson ended the call by saying he would “handle the situation.” Jackson called 911 again at 1:17 a.m., telling dispatchers he had shot someone. When the first Norfolk officer arrived, Jackson returned, admitted to the shooting, and directed officers to Kortbawi’s body. He was taken into custody without incident. Jackson was initially charged with second-degree murder before prosecutors secured a direct indictment for first-degree murder. On Friday, Dec. 5, a judge sentenced Jackson to 40 years in prison, with another five years suspended on the condition that he maintains good behavior for life after release. Prosecutors requested a 39-year active sentence, while the defense argued for a shorter term. Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi said the sentence reflects the brutality of the crime and the danger Jackson posed to the community. “Mr. Kortbawi did not do anything to deserve his death at the hands of Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Jackson’s sentence reflects the senselessness and cruelty of his crime,” Fatehi said. “I wish Mr. Kortbawi’s family and friends peace as they continue to cope with their loss.”

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.

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