Cymone McClellan, a St. Louis nonprofit executive, was sentenced on Apr. 23 to 41 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining $2.3 million intended for feeding children in Missouri, according to the U.S. District Court.
The sentencing highlights concerns about safeguarding public funds meant for vulnerable populations and the need for accountability when such programs are exploited.
U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel ordered McClellan, age 33, to forfeit vehicles and real estate purchased with stolen funds and repay the remaining money she obtained through fraudulent claims submitted by her organization, Sister of Lavender Rose (S.O.L.R.). Prosecutors said that from January 2019 to June 2022, McClellan and her associate Terra Davis submitted false reimbursement requests totaling nearly one million meals they claimed were provided but had not actually served.
A sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman stated: “These lies demonstrate that Defendant McClellan made a calculated effort from the beginning of her participation in the state’s meal program to enrich herself at the expense of hungry children in our community.” The fraud escalated after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions limited state audits and allowed nonprofits more flexibility in distributing meals.
McClellan used program funds as down payments on homes in Collinsville, Illinois and Florissant, Missouri and spent almost $135,000 on five vehicles including luxury models. “Cymone McClellan caused lasting damage to the program meant to feed hungry Missouri children,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus.
Inspector General John Walk of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General said: “This non-profit owner exploited a USDA program meant to feed low-income children during the coronavirus pandemic by submitting $2.3 million in reimbursement claims for providing meals the organization never served... Stealing from an emergency relief program meant to provide food to needy children for personal gain is depraved.”
Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of FBI St. Louis Division added: “For the second time in as many months, we are holding accountable individuals who exploited programs meant to feed children for their own personal gain... Let this case serve as a clear warning: those who steal from programs designed to serve our most vulnerable will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”
Davis received five years probation and was also ordered restitution after pleading guilty last year.
The case was investigated by both FBI agents and officials with USDA’s Office of Inspector General; Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman prosecuted it.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri advances community well-being by working with entities to prevent crime and improve quality of life according to its official website. The office uses both Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis and Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. U.S Courthouse in Cape Girardeau as noted online, operates under the United States Department of Justice as stated online, serves 49 counties across eastern Missouri according its website, investigates federal crimes such as terrorism or fraud while enforcing civil rights as detailed online, collaborates with law enforcement agencies according its website.
On April 7 prior this sentencing date, DOJ announced creation of National Fraud Enforcement Division aimed at investigating misuse or theft involving taxpayer dollars—a move supporting President Trump’s Task Force chaired by Vice President J.D Vance seeking elimination of fraud within federal benefit programs.
