Sir Maejor Page, also known as Tyree Conyers-Page, a former actor turned Black Lives Matter activist, is currently on trial for allegedly defrauding donors out of $500,000. Page, who has had minor roles in television shows including American Horror Story and Constantine, is being federally charged with wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.
According to prosecutors, Page created social media and GoFundMe pages under the name of Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta in 2020 and used the murder of George Floyd to collect fraudulent funds from 1,000 donors. Page is accused of using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle by purchasing tailored suits, guns, and even a home in Toledo, Ohio.
In court on Tuesday, FBI agent Matthew Desorbo testified that Page often used the charity's funds at restaurants and retailers in the Toledo area. The agent also presented evidence of more than $100,000 being spent on a house in Toledo's Old West End, which according to Desorbo, forms part of the case against Page.
According to records from Bank of America, Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta ended May 2020 in the red. However, after the murder of George Floyd and the resulting protests against police brutality and racism, donations began pouring in. By mid-June, the charity had received $36,493.80 from their Facebook fundraising page, and in July, $370,000 was transferred from the fundraiser to the charity's bank account, with an additional $53,000 wired in August, prosecutors claim.
Page's lawyers dispute the allegations and told the court that their client had intended to use the property and funds to set up a community or a battered women's shelter. They also argued that more than half the money was never spent as it was seized by federal agents following Page's arrest in September 2020. They also attempted to downplay videos of Page bragging about his lifestyle, stating it was just self-aggrandizement and that Page had been out fighting for justice.
During Tuesday's hearing, the court was shown videos of Page rapping about making six figures while wearing gold cufflinks. He is also seen bragging about owning "16 blue suits" and having a "six-figure" income. In one clip, Page addressed "naysayers" who questioned his income by stating that he was out fighting for justice. Page's defense attorney, Charles Boss, explained that the property was not intended for personal use. Boss also stated that the money seized during Page's arrest was proof that it was not spent on a lavish lifestyle.
Page's Facebook page describes him as a "non-attorney activist, victim advocate, and spokesperson" and shows him posing in suits and luxury hotel rooms. He also refers to himself as the "world's sexiest albino." Page is the adopted nephew of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and former NFL star Alan Page. He has had several run-ins with the law, including being arrested in 2016 for causing a disturbance outside a Donald Trump appearance in Atlanta and being banned from the campus of the University of Toledo in 2011 for menacing and harassing the university president's office.
Page maintains his innocence and has issued a statement to the Toledo Blade, stating that it is not surprising that the government is moving forward with a criminal case against a social justice activist. He also asserts that he acted in good faith and believes that he did not intentionally commit any crimes. Page expressed confidence in the legal process and looks forward to a fair and just outcome.
The trial before Judge Jeffrey Helmick is expected to continue through the end of the week. If convicted, Page could face more than 20 years in jail. FBI agent Matthew Desorbo is set to be cross-examined during Wednesday's hearing. The case has raised questions about the proper use of donations received by non-profit organizations and the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency in the handling of these funds.