Washington, D.C. – The District Attorney General’s Office has filed a civil lawsuit against Allyson Abrams, the founder of two local nonprofit organizations, alleging that she misappropriated over $125,000 in government grant money for personal use. The suit, filed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb, claims Abrams used the funds to support her real‑estate business, transferred money to herself and her spouse, and submitted falsified invoices and checks.
Background on the nonprofits and grant awards
According to the complaint, the District awarded Abrams’ nonprofits – Empowerment Justice Center and Empowerment Liberation Cathedral – a total of more than $475,000 in grants between 2019 and 2025. The money was intended for outreach, counseling, and addiction‑treatment services for at‑risk community members in the District.
Allegations of misconduct
The Attorney General’s investigation, launched in 2024 after Abrams refused to answer questions in a separate civil deposition, found evidence that she violated D.C. law by taking more than $125,000 from the two organizations. The complaint alleges she submitted thousands of falsified invoices, created fake checks, and failed to uphold basic nonprofit governance requirements such as holding board meetings, conducting elections, and maintaining written records.
Settlement breach
In December 2025, Abrams entered into a settlement with the District that required her to pay $110,000, step down from the Empowerment Justice Center board, relinquish control of both nonprofits’ finances, and transfer any remaining funds to accounts approved by the Attorney General’s office. The lawsuit states that Abrams has not repaid any of the settlement amount and remains in violation of the other settlement terms.
Attorney General’s response
“Nonprofit leaders cannot treat their organizations like personal slush funds,” Schwalb said in a statement. “Abrams misused government grant money and undermined efforts to support some of our community’s most vulnerable. We’re holding her accountable and ensuring that she repays the District and its taxpayers the funds she unlawfully diverted.”
Next steps
The suit seeks to enforce the settlement, recover the unpaid $110,000, and obtain reimbursement for the costs of the lawsuit. The Attorney General’s office also aims to ensure that any remaining grant money is placed in accounts that meet the District’s oversight requirements.
Community impact
Local service providers and community advocates have expressed concern that the alleged misuse of grant funds could jeopardize vital programs for at‑risk residents. The case underscores the importance of transparent nonprofit governance and strict adherence to grant conditions, especially when public dollars are at stake.
WTOP reached out to Abrams for comment; a response was not received at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
