Minnesota 'violence interruption' non-profit We Push for Peace sued for 'rampant abuse' of donations

Another Minnesota nonprofit is facing a lawsuit over allegations of widespread financial abuse, including the misuse of more than $6 million in taxpayer funds for personal expenses such as trips to Las Vegas and child support payments.

We Push for Peace, a nonprofit founded by Trahern Pollard following the death of George Floyd, was created to provide “conflict de-escalation” services and received millions of dollars through government contracts. According to a lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Pollard allegedly used nonprofit funds to finance a lavish personal lifestyle.

The complaint alleges Pollard used organization money to pay child support obligations, settle IRS tax bills, and subsidize private businesses, including a liquor store and a used car dealership. Pollard is also alleged to have sent false statements under penalty of perjury. He claimed the child support payment was “nonprofit overhead,” and a $35,000 payout to his friends was described as “Chicago payroll.”

The lawsuit also names former director Jaclyn McGuigan, who served as the charity’s treasurer. McGuigan is accused of transferring $1,000 per week from the nonprofit’s funds into her personal account and improperly using government grant funds for so-called “administrative” expenses.

According to the lawsuit, McGuigan allegedly took approximately $500,000, though investigators said the precise amount may be difficult to determine, according to the New York Post.

“Instead of helping the community, they helped themselves to millions of dollars that should have gone into the community,” Ellison said. The lawsuit also alleges that the pair tried covering up their misconduct when the AG began investigating how the funds were spent.