ATLANTA — Former Atlanta-based activist Sir Major Page faces charges. About creating a fake Black Lives Matter The group that stole $500,000 from donors to fund his lavish lifestyle is currently on trial in federal court.
Page is facing money laundering and wire fraud charges in Ohio for allegedly using funds for personal purchases through the nonprofit organization Black Lives Matter.
Page was arrested in 2020 when authorities searched a home he had purchased in Toledo, Ohio.
The FBI also said Page responded to multiple messages through his Facebook account, stating, “Our funds were donated to fight for George Floyd and none of the funds were used for personal property. '' he said. All movements are related. ”
In a federal complaint against him, Page said he purchased homes in the name of High Frequency Ohio and was listed as the organization's financial director and general counsel.
The complaint includes several other charges, including a security system totaling $1,310, tailored suits and accessories totaling $2,065, furniture purchases totaling more than $12,000, Walmart purchases totaling more than $4,000, and Home Depot fees totaling $2,125.67. Contains a summary of the purchase.
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The property is also listed as his personal address on several public documents, including an application to purchase a pistol and two rifles. According to the complaint, Page used his personal bank account to purchase the firearm and transferred funds from his BLMGA account.
“Numerous videos and livestream videos were posted to Page's personal social media pages showing herself in what appeared to be newly purchased clothing, a hotel room, and an office space in Atlanta.” In it, Page makes several audio statements, bragging about the money he has, his tailored suits, nice cufflinks and “$150 ties,” and adding, “My room is on the top… At the top…they are,” he boasts. Install bottom feeders on these floors…” the news release states.
Page's trial began Wednesday, according to records in the Northern District of Ohio. On Thursday, jurors heard testimony from Avelino Ruiz, who organized demonstrations in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. The Toledo Blade reported.
Lewis testified that he distanced himself from Page after he began to see his “true colors.”
“Mr. Lewis said he began hearing that Mr. Page was using charity funds for personal purposes. Later, when Mr. Page accused him of using funds in his GoFundMe account for personal purposes, Mr. Rather than handing over the funds to his High Frequency Ohio organization, he returned all of the funds to donors, the newspaper reported.
Page later issued a statement saying Lewis was removed from the organization “due to problematic behavior within the community.” Lewis testified Thursday, and he said it was his decision to leave the organization.
Lewis said he later went to the FBI because “I'm a man who works for justice, and Lord Mayor has become an oppressor.” The Toledo Blade reported.
The jury also heard from several out-of-state Facebook users who said Page had set up a Facebook donation portal for what appeared to be an “Atlanta-based group managing social justice gatherings and outreach programs.” heard.
Sean Stoner, who lived in Atlanta in 2020, said he relied on Facebook to vet nonprofit candidates who asked users to support them.
“I never thought of that.” [BLMGA] “It wasn't legal,” Stoner said, before denying he had ever heard of Sir Maejo Page or planned to donate to High Frequency Ohio, the newspaper reported.
The judge in the case said the prosecution will adjourn Friday and the defense will take part in the trial.
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