In a shocking turn of events, Brandon Anderson, the founder of Raheem AI, is facing serious allegations of financial misconduct. What began as a noble fighting mission police brutality has now become embroiled in a scandal that has drawn the attention of the DC Attorney General’s office.

The trial against Raheem AI

On November 25, 2024, DC Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb filed a lawsuit against Anderson and his organization, Raheem AI, for allegedly violating nonprofit and workers’ rights laws. The suit alleges Anderson embezzled $75,000 from the nonprofit, which was meant to improve community interactions with law enforcement, to fund personal luxuries such as lavish vacations and luxury shopping.

Financial mismanagement and legal violations

According to the attorney general’s office, Raheem AI has been operating without a treasurer since 2020, a violation of DC nonprofit laws that require a separation of financial duties. This lack of oversight allowed Anderson to exercise unchecked control over the organization’s finances.

In addition to the misappropriation of funds, the lawsuit highlights that Raheem AI failed to pay his assistant director tens of thousands of dollars in earned wages. In addition, the organization forced her to sign an illegal non-compete clause, raising further questions about operational ethics.

Brandon Anderson’s background and vision

Anderson founded Raheem AI in 2017 as a tribute to his fiancé, Raheem, who was tragically killed by police in Oklahoma in 2007. Anderson’s vision for Raheem AI was to create a platform that would allow individuals to file complaints against officers police directly from their smartphones. . He aimed to provide an alternative to 911, sending aid workers instead of police to handle non-violent incidents such as mental health crises and drug overdoses.

In an interview from 2021 on “Rebels with a Cause”, Anderson expressed the profound impact of his fiance’s death on his life, stating, “My partner’s death threw me into two years of clinical depression. Losing my partner – killing my partner – at the hands of the police changed my life forever.”

Challenges facing Raheem AI

Despite raising over $4 million in donations, Raheem AI faced significant challenges in accomplishing his mission. The concept, which Anderson described as a “Yelp for the police,” ran into technical problems. Some police departments accept complaints online, while others require people to report in person or over the phone, complicating the implementation of Anderson’s vision.

Attorney General’s position

Attorney General Schwalb said his office is committed to holding Anderson accountable for the alleged misuse of charitable donations. In a statementhe pointed out, “Brandon Anderson misused charitable donations to fund lavish vacations and shopping sprees, and Raheem AI’s board let him get away with it… My office will not allow people to mask themselves behind noble causes while breaking the law.”

The wider implications

This scandal raises critical questions about accountability within nonprofit organizations, especially those focused on social justice and community well-being. The charges against Anderson serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical governance in nonprofit organizations, especially those that rely on public trust and donations to carry out their missions.

As the trial unfolds, it will be critical to monitor developments surrounding Raheem AI and its founder. The result could have significant implications not only for the organization, but also for the broader movement against police brutality and the role of nonprofits in advocating social change.

The case against Anderson and Raheem AI underscores the complexities and challenges facing social justice organizations. As legal proceedings continue, the community will be watching closely, hoping for accountability and a reaffirmation of the values ​​these organizations stand for.