CEO of Battle Creek Nonprofit Charged with $20,000 Welfare Fraud

BREAKING: Damon Dupree Brown, CEO of the Battle Creek nonprofit R.I.S.E. Corp., has been charged with welfare fraud, accused of defrauding the state of over $20,000 in food assistance. Brown, aged 47, was arrested on December 22, 2023, and is set to appear in Calhoun County District Court following his arraignment on December 23.

The allegations claim that Brown misrepresented his income on multiple applications for food assistance between 2020 and 2024. Court documents indicate he declared either no income or less than $2,000 monthly, while tax records reveal he earned over $77,000 in 2021, nearly $118,000 in 2022, and just over $126,000 in 2023.

This shocking development raises questions about the integrity of leadership within organizations that aim to support vulnerable populations. Brown founded R.I.S.E. Corp. in 2017 after serving 12 years in prison for drug-related offenses, striving to guide youth away from violence and crime. His nonprofit’s mission is to “reengage disconnected youth and connect them back to resources to help them thrive.”

In an interview just days before his arrest, Brown emphasized the importance of teaching responsibility to youth, stating, “We have got to be able to teach these kids responsibility and how to be responsible adults.” He recently helped produce a significant hip-hop event at the Kellogg Arena, aiming to uplift the community and inspire local youth.

Adding to his legal troubles, Brown faces additional charges, including possession of stolen property, carrying a concealed weapon as a prohibited person, and resisting police officers, according to jail records.

The implications of Brown’s charges could be far-reaching, impacting the nonprofit sector’s credibility and the message it sends to the youth it serves. As this story develops, it highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in organizations dedicated to community support.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates on this case, and community members are urged to stay informed as the situation evolves. This urgent development serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding nonprofit leadership and the importance of ethical practices in serving those in need.