Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has reached a settlement in Ramsey County District Court, effectively barring David Singleton from forming or leading any nonprofits in the future. This legal action concludes a lawsuit filed by Ellison, accusing Singleton of using misleading nonprofit names to confuse the public for personal gain and practicing law without a license.
The agreement also dissolves five nonprofits associated with Singleton and prohibits him and his business from advertising legal services. Singleton is required to repay $5,000 to a Minnesotan for unauthorized legal services and faces an additional $100,000 penalty if he breaches the settlement terms.
Ellison's January 2025 lawsuit targeted Singleton, his five nonprofits, and his for-profit legal consulting firm, highlighting deceptive practices that falsely suggested governmental affiliations. The implicated organizations include 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 were linked to government entities.
The lawsuit alleged violations of several state acts due to misleading representations of government ties and failing to meet nonprofit statutory requirements such as holding annual board meetings. It also claimed Singleton practiced law unlawfully by presenting himself as qualified to offer legal services without proper licensing.
Attorney General Ellison stated, "It is deeply disappointing when nonprofits are used to deceive," emphasizing the risk posed to public trust in charitable organizations. He added gratitude towards the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and Nicollet County Attorney’s Office for highlighting Singleton's actions.
Ellison encourages reporting concerns about nonprofits misusing resources via his office's website or phone lines. His office enforces civil regulations on nonprofit corporations and consumer protection laws but does not handle criminal law enforcement.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office provides guidance on fiduciary duties for nonprofit executives on its website, ensuring leaders act in their organization's best interests over personal financial gains.