Not all skinfolk are kinfolk; Self-proclaimed activist under federal fire for fraud

BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

His social media bio says, “For the People.” His recently updated criminal record says otherwise.

An Atlanta-based activist is facing federal wire fraud and money laundering charges following the discovery of over $200,000 worth of missing donations intended for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Tyree-Conyers Page (publicly known as Sir Maejor Page), was arrested in Toledo, Ohio for allegedly using the donations for the movement solely on personal expenses, “with no identifiable purchase or expenditure for social or racial justice,” said FBI agent Matthew Desorbo.

According to a statement provided by the FBI, a complaint was filed in April 2020, alleging that Page was fraudulently posing as a Black Lives Matter leader and utilizing the organization for monetary gain. A further investigation determined that Page had created and operated a social media page titled “Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta” (BLMGA). It was listed as a non-profit organization both through the social media page and through the crowdfunding website, GoFundMe. Any donations received would be sent to a bank account named “Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta, Inc,” an account opened in 2018 with Page being the only signatory on the account.

From April 2018 to May 2020, the account balance never exceeded $5,000. In fact, at one point it had a balance of -$12.42. However, in June 2020, the funds began to skyrocket, following the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement gaining international attention. According to the FBI, the exact calculations read: “In June 2020, BLMGA’s social media page received approximately $36,493.80 in donations; in July 2020, it received approximately $370,933.69 in donations; and in August 2020, an additional $59,914.69 in donations.” All of this fundraised money – about $470,000 in total was transferred to the bank account that Page had set up.

In June 2020, Page responded to private messages, assuring that the funds had been donated to Black Lives Matter in honour of continuing the fight for George Floyd and many others. He confidently told supporters that none of “the funds have been used for personal items. All movement related.” However, it was discovered that throughout the entire summer, Page repeatedly used a debit card linked to the account to make purchases related to food, entertainment, furniture, a home security system, tailored suits and accessories.

A few fancy dinners, a couple of fresh suits and a new couch – it doesn’t sound too bad, right? How could that total to $200,000?

Well, the largest purchase made from the account occurred on August 21st, 2020. It was a home and an adjacent vacant lot in Toledo, Ohio. The total price for both properties was approximately $112,000. Page was also accused of transferring funds from the BLMGA bank account to his personal account to purchase a pistol and two rifles as well.

“Numerous videos and livestream videos were posted to Page’s personal social media pages showing himself in what appeared to be newly purchased clothing, hotel rooms, and office space in Atlanta,” the FBI said in its release. “Several audio statements are made by Page in the videos boasting about the money he has, his tailored suits, his nice cufflinks and ‘$150 ties’.”

Black Lives Matter also released a statement, condemning Page of his unacceptable actions.

“The recent and past behavior of Sir Maejor Page has continued to compromise the integrity of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, supporters, and allies. Our stance remains that Mr. Page is not affiliated with Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. We reject and will continue to call out the extreme misleading behaviors of people who utilize our name for their own personal wealth and gain and who are clearly not in service of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation or the movement we represent.”

Since his arrest, Page has put his Instagram account on private. He has been released on a $10,000 bond and awaits his court appearance.