A federal jury found Treashonna P. Graham, 42, guilty on all counts in a scheme that prosecutors say stole approximately $2.9 million from more than 1,000 victims through a company called Grant Bae, which claimed to help minority business owners secure government grants. The verdict came after a trial in Jacksonville, Florida, capping a case that began with Graham's arrest more than two years ago.
Graham was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, and money laundering, according to News4JAX. Graham and her co-defendant, Joey Williams, created Grant Bae to purportedly assist minority business owners in obtaining government grants, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
Prosecutors said Graham charged clients fees and told them Grant Bae was actively working to obtain grant money on their behalf. But according to the same News4JAX account, Graham did not hire outside companies to locate or obtain grants for clients, nor did she help write grant applications for them. After filing, Graham and Williams would steal the grant money, according to WCJB, which reported that prosecutors indicted the Grant Bae partners for defrauding minority-owned businesses in the grant scheme.
The fraud scheme targeted minority business owners and ultimately victimized more than 1,000 individuals, per the station's report. Graham and Williams were arrested on May 31, 2024, according to the Justice Department, after a federal indictment accused them of fraudulently stealing almost three million dollars.
Jewelry and an Extravagant Lifestyle
Graham used the fraudulent proceeds to fund an extravagant lifestyle, purchasing vehicles, jewelry, clothing and other personal property, News4JAX reported.
Potential Prison Time
Graham faces up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charge and for each wire fraud offense, along with up to 10 years in prison for each money laundering count, according to News4JAX.
