URGENT UPDATE: The CEO of a Battle Creek nonprofit has been charged with welfare fraud, allegedly defrauding the state of over $20,000 in food assistance. Damon Dupree Brown, 47, was arrested on December 22, 2023, and arraigned the following day in Calhoun County District Court.
According to court records, Brown faces one count of welfare fraud exceeding $500. Authorities report that between 2020 and 2024, Brown applied for and received significant food assistance while misrepresenting his income. Court documents reveal he declared either no income or less than $2,000 per month, despite earning over $77,000 in 2021, nearly $118,000 in 2022, and just over $126,000 in 2023.
Brown, a Battle Creek native, founded R.I.S.E. Corp. in 2017 after serving 12 years in prison for drug-related charges. His nonprofit aims to “reengage disconnected youth” and provide them with resources to thrive. Earlier this month, during an interview at Winter Jam 2025, he emphasized the importance of teaching responsibility to the youth in his community.
In addition to welfare fraud, Brown faces multiple charges, including possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of a concealed weapon, and resisting arrest. These developments raise serious questions about the integrity of organizations aimed at assisting vulnerable populations.
Authorities are urging the community to stay informed as this case unfolds. Brown’s arrest comes at a time when the need for support and transparency in nonprofit organizations is more critical than ever.
As this story develops, many are left wondering how this will impact R.I.S.E. Corp.’s mission and the youth it serves. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
