MN Attorney General: Brooklyn Center Food Bank Founder Misused Funds
The founder of West African Family and Community Services, a Brooklyn Center food bank, must pay back charity funds after the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office determined he used donations for personal use.
Investigators determined that Edmund Ocansey misused nearly $42,000 worth of funds between 2016 and 2024. The funds went to purchases such as sporting goods, clothing at Macy’s and car expenses, according to investigation documents. One specific instance cited was $3,573 was used to help buy a car for Ocansey’s son, the investigation showed.
In a settlement agreement announced this week by Attorney General Keith Ellison, Ocansey must pay back all the funds. Ocansey is also barred from running nonprofits in Minnesota.
West African Family and Community Services (WAFCS) was founded in 2016 to provide West African immigrants with essential services and culturally appropriate foods.
“Providing culturally specific food to West African community members is an important cause, so it is all the more disappointing when charitable funds meant for this community are misused,” said Ellison.
A volunteer with the nonprofit initially reported the wrongdoing, leading to the investigation.
“Reports like these help me step in to protect the assets of nonprofits and ensure those resources go towards their intended charitable purpose,” said Ellison. “I encourage other Minnesotans who believe they have witnessed illegal or unethical behavior at a nonprofit to file a complaint with my office.”
The settlement agreement alleges that WAFCS failed to maintain adequate books and records, implement proper controls over finances, and make required regulatory filings with the state and federal government.
A statement provided by WAFCS says the organization will continue its mission while working to restore community trust, adding that its board of directors “is interceding at this difficult time to enact better processes.”
Minnesotans with concerns about law violations at a nonprofit may submit a complaint on the Attorney General’s website or by calling (651) 296-3353.
