Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has initiated legal proceedings against David Singleton and five nonprofits he oversees. The lawsuit, filed in Ramsey County, targets Singleton's alleged pattern of creating or taking over organizations with names that imply governmental ties, which the state claims is misleading.
The organizations involved are Minnesota Civilian Public Safety Commission Inc., League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions, DWI Prevention Services Inc., Minnesota Police Reserve Officers Association (MPROA), and United Criminal Justice Reform Commission. None have actual government affiliations, according to the lawsuit.
Ellison accuses Singleton of misrepresenting his capabilities by promoting services through his nonprofit entities that direct individuals to his for-profit legal consulting business. Notably, Singleton does not hold a license to practice law in any jurisdiction.
Attorney General Ellison stated: “It is appalling that the defendant founded and used nonprofits not to help Minnesotans, but to defraud them and leave chaos and confusion in his wake.” He emphasized the importance of this investigation in preventing nonprofits from being used as fronts for personal enrichment.
The lawsuit follows complaints received from various parties including the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and local citizens. The Charities Division of the Attorney General’s Office conducted an investigation under relevant state laws concerning nonprofit corporations and consumer fraud.
Under Minnesota law, nonprofit executives must prioritize their organization's interests over personal gain. The Attorney General’s Office offers resources on fiduciary duties for nonprofit leaders on its website.
Complaints about nonprofit misconduct can be submitted via a form on the Attorney General’s website or by contacting their office directly at specified phone numbers.