Former BLM Leader Sir Maejor Page Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering
Sir Maejor Page, also known as Tyree Conyers-Page, a former leader of the Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta (BLMGA), was recently sentenced to 42 months in federal prison. The charges stem from wire fraud and money laundering involving donations meant to support social justice causes. Page, who led BLMGA during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, had been under investigation since 2020 when allegations surfaced that he was misusing the funds he raised under false pretenses.
From April 2018 to May 2020, the financial activity in the BLMGA bank account was modest. However, after the death of George Floyd in May 2020, donations to the organization skyrocketed, with over $450,000 raised in just a few months. Donors believed their contributions were being used for social justice efforts, as Page claimed the funds were dedicated to supporting the movement and victims of police violence.
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However, federal prosecutors uncovered a different story. Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, Page spent significant portions on personal luxuries. This included expensive clothing, entertainment, furniture, and even the purchase of a home in Toledo, Ohio. Prosecutors noted that in August 2020, Page used $112,000 from the BLMGA account to buy the residence, attempting to conceal his ownership through legal agreements. Furthermore, he was accused of purchasing firearms with funds from the organization.
Page defended himself by stating that some of the money he used was a "reasonable salary" for managing the organization. However, he admitted in court that he had not consulted anyone from BLMGA about what his pay should have been. The trial, which concluded in April 2024, found him guilty on one count of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.
The case has drawn attention due to Page's prior legal troubles, including multiple instances where he was charged with impersonating law enforcement officers in Georgia. Despite these controversies, Page had established himself as a prominent activist in Atlanta, leveraging social media to amplify his role in the Black Lives Matter movement. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of organizational funds and the consequences of betraying public trust.
The sentencing marks the end of a highly publicized legal battle, with Page now set to serve three and a half years in prison. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in activism, particularly when significant donations are involved.
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