Overview
- Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a civil lawsuit Friday accusing the nonprofit and former directors Trahern Pollard and Jaclyn McGuigan of diverting roughly $6.5 million.
- Prosecutors say Pollard personally took more than $6 million and spent charity money on Las Vegas trips, luxury vehicles, and large shopping sprees, and to cover child support and an IRS bill.
- McGuigan, the treasurer, allegedly moved $1,000 per week into her own account and took additional grant funds by labeling them as administrative expenses.
- The complaint says Pollard created for‑profit companies, including Change Makers, to drain revenue and redirect contracts such as a community liaison deal with Whole Foods.
- State filings describe false statements under penalty of perjury and say the group later proved unable to respond to a Minneapolis request during Operation Metro Surge, with all claims at this stage civil allegations.