1776Reporting
A local activist, Sir Maejor Page, also known by his legal name, Tyree Conyers-Page, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after being convicted of fraudulently using donations intended for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Page posed as a leader of the BLM cause, collecting money through a fake non-profit organization, only to spend the funds on personal luxuries.
In April, Page was found guilty of one count of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. These charges came after an investigation into his misuse of donations that were meant to support the Black Lives Matter movement, specifically donations made during the peak of protests after George Floyd’s tragic death.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began its inquiry into Page’s activities in 2020, following a tip received by its National Threat Operations Center. The complaint alleged that Page was misusing funds from a fake BLM organization he had created, under the name “Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta” (BLMGA). Investigators found that Page had been operating a Facebook account under this name and listed it as a non-profit organization capable of accepting donations.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Ohio, more than 18,000 people donated to the fake charity, believing their money would support Black Lives Matter efforts. Page also utilized crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, where BLMGA gained even more financial support. These donations totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially during the months following the murder of George Floyd, when donations surged.
BLMGA’s social media page collected $36,493.80 in June 2020 alone, followed by a massive $370,933.69 in July and another $59,914.69 in August. Page assured donors through private messages that all funds would be used for “movement-related” purposes, even explicitly stating, “none of the funds have been used for personal items.”
However, Page’s bank records told a different story. The FBI discovered that Page had opened a bank account under the BLMGA name, with himself as the sole signatory. Initially, the account held modest amounts, never exceeding $5,000, and saw minimal transactions between 2018 and early 2020. But as donations increased following George Floyd’s death, Page began using the funds for personal expenses.
A debit card linked to the BLMGA account was used to fund Page’s lavish lifestyle. Records show he splurged on dining out, entertainment, new clothing, furniture, and even home security systems. He also purchased tailored suits, accessories, and firearms. To top it off, Page made a significant transfer from the BLMGA account to his personal account to buy a property worth $112,000, which included a home and a vacant lot.
By the time the authorities intervened, Page had spent over $200,000 of donation money on personal luxuries. His extravagant lifestyle, funded by donations meant to support racial justice causes, ultimately led to his arrest in September 2020.
Following his conviction, Page was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for defrauding thousands of individuals who believed they were supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. He was found guilty on all counts and will serve time for his actions, which have drawn outrage from those who once trusted him with their contributions.
The case of Sir Maejor Page highlights how fraud can infiltrate even the most well-meaning movements. The misuse of funds intended for social justice efforts not only betrayed donors but also discredited a cause meant to uplift and support Black communities across the country.
Authorities urge people to thoroughly vet charitable organizations before donating, especially during times of heightened emotions and activism.
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