Minnesota sues nonprofit over alleged $6 million fund misappropriation
Minnesota sues We Push for Peace over alleged $6 million fund misappropriation by former leadership.
Event / Security
We Push for Peace Fraud Lawsuit
Minnesota nonprofit We Push for Peace faces civil lawsuit from Attorney General Keith Ellison over alleged $6.5 million fraud by former directors Trahern Pollard and Jaclyn McGuigan. Pollard allegedly misappropriated over $6 million for personal expenses including luxury travel and vehicles, while McGuigan allegedly stole recurring payments and grant funds. The organization became unable to fulfill its community outreach mission during the investigation. Allegations include false statements under penalty of perjury and creation of fraudulent shell corporations.
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2026-08-17 to 2026-11-14 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 10 May, 08:36 UTC
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What happened
We Push for Peace unable to respond to Operation Metro Surge during crisis
When the City of Minneapolis requested assistance from We Push for Peace during Operation Metro Surge, a major Homeland Security enforcement operation in Minnesota, the organization was unable to provide support due to its financial collapse from the fraud.
Pollard allegedly created fraudulent entities to conceal remaining misappropriated funds
After Minnesota Attorney General's Office began inquiry, Trahern Pollard allegedly quickly incorporated a fake for-profit arm of the charity and created a separate corporation called Change Makers to drain the nonprofit's remaining revenue. He also allegedly diverted lucrative community liaison contracts, including a deal with Whole Foods, from the nonprofit to his private company.
Former nonprofit treasurer Jaclyn McGuigan allegedly stole thousands in government grant funds
Jaclyn McGuigan, treasurer of We Push for Peace, allegedly transferred $1,000 per week of nonprofit funds into her personal account and misappropriated thousands more in government grant funds that she falsely claimed were for administrative expenses.
Former nonprofit director Trahern Pollard allegedly misappropriated over $6 million in charitable funds
Trahern Pollard, former director of We Push for Peace, allegedly personally diverted more than $6 million of the nonprofit's charitable funds for personal use, including trips to Las Vegas, luxury vehicle purchases, shopping at Harley Davidson and spa stores, paying child support, settling IRS tax bills, and subsidizing private businesses including a used car dealership and liquor store.
Pollard allegedly submitted false statements under penalty of perjury to investigators
When state investigators began closing in on the fraud, Trahern Pollard allegedly submitted false statements under penalty of perjury, falsely claiming a personal child support payment was nonprofit overhead and mischaracterizing a $35,000 payout to personal friends as Chicago payroll.
Minnesota Attorney General files civil lawsuit against We Push for Peace nonprofit
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a civil lawsuit against nonprofit organization We Push for Peace and its former directors Trahern Pollard and Jaclyn McGuigan, alleging misuse of $6.5 million in charitable funds.
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