A prominent transgender activist allegedly stole nearly $100,000 from a Brooklyn nonprofit’s bail fund, using the money for luxury renovations and a Mercedes-Benz, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Dominique Morgan, 43, of Atlanta, who earned $200,000 annually as executive director of the Okra Project, faces one count of second-degree grand larceny and 23 counts of falsifying business records.
“The theft of nonprofit funds deprives communities of critical resources, erodes public trust, and cheats donors who give in good faith,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. “The defendant in this case allegedly stole bail funds meant to secure pre-trial release of indigent defendants, instead using the money for personal benefit.”
Prosecutors allege Morgan transferred $99,000 to her personal account between July 14-27, 2022, spending the money on:
- $19,000 California Closets renovation
- Mercedes-Benz payments
- Clothing store purchases
- Meals and personal expenses
When Okra requested proof of bail payments, Morgan allegedly submitted fake receipts for 23 people supposedly arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, and Douglas County, Nebraska. An audit revealed no such arrests occurred.
“The Okra Project terminated Ms. Morgan’s employment after financial discrepancies were uncovered,” said current executive director Gabrielle Ines Souza. “The Okra Project stands firm in our commitment to those we serve and to our donors, remaining steadfast in our mission to provide essential support and advocacy.”
Morgan, who was honored with a street naming in Omaha in 2023 and recognized by Apple in 2021, pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Justice Danny Chun released her without bail.
She faces 5-15 years in jail if convicted of the most serious charges.
Her attorney Jonathan Fink declined to comment.
#Trans activist #DominiqueMorgan stole almost $100K from Brooklyn nonprofit's bail fund: DA https://t.co/3XSQCsolAV
— Eerie News (@EerieNewsToday) October 30, 2024