Tyree Conyers-Page, accused of exploiting George Floyd’s death for personal gain, goes on trial for fraud and money laundering charges

Tyree Conyers-Page, also known as Sir Maejor Page, a 35-year-old activist associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, currently stands trial on allegations of fraudulently using donations meant for social justice causes for personal enrichment. Following George Floyd’s death, Page capitalized on the heightened public sentiment to solicit funds for Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta (BLMGA), only to allegedly divert those funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including real estate, tailored suits, and firearms.

Page’s arrest by the FBI in September 2020 brought to light his activities after the bureau received complaints regarding the misuse of the BLMGA platform. Despite presenting the organization as a charitable entity, investigations revealed that BLMGA had lost its tax-exempt status well before the fundraising spree, a fact Page failed to disclose to potential donors and platform partners like Facebook and GoFundMe.

Throughout the summer of 2020, BLMGA’s fundraising campaign saw a significant influx of donations, amassing over $400,000. The FBI claims that Page, the sole signatory of the BLMGA bank account, redirected these donations for personal use, including buying luxury items and property. 

This stark contrast between Page’s public declarations of fighting for social justice and his private indulgence in the benefits of the donations has become a focal point of the trial.

The federal indictment against Page includes charges of wire fraud and money laundering, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him. The trial has seen testimonies from FBI agents detailing the lavish expenditures Page made using the donated funds, while his defense argues that some of the purchases were intended for charitable purposes, a claim that prosecution evidence strongly contests.

This case is part of a broader discussion on the accountability and transparency of activist fundraising, especially within movements as widespread and decentralized as Black Lives Matter. The outcome of Tyree Conyers-Page’s trial could have significant implications for how activist organizations manage and report their finances, emphasizing the importance of trust between such entities and their supporters.