Federal Probe Unveils Millions in Grants to CT Senator's Associate

A Complex Web of Influence and Alleged Conflicts

State Sen. Douglas McCrory’s involvement in the allocation of state grant money to a nonprofit organization created by his girlfriend has raised significant concerns. According to multiple sources, McCrory played a key role in decisions that directed millions of dollars to a relatively new and untested charity, which was established by Sonserae Cicero-Hamlin, a close personal friend.

The relationship between McCrory and Cicero-Hamlin quickly became a point of contention within the Blue Hill’s Civic Association, one of Hartford’s leading nonprofits. The association had previously awarded Cicero-Hamlin $1.7 million in grants and consulting fees, prompting internal discussions about potential conflicts of interest. Notes from a July 2024 board meeting highlighted the concern, noting that Cicero-Hamlin was McCrory’s girlfriend. By early August, the board chairman, JoAnn Price, reportedly expressed her desire for Cicero-Hamlin to have no further involvement with the association due to ongoing investigations involving McCrory.

Price eventually resigned from the board in September, citing concerns over the association’s decision to make Cicero-Hamlin’s nonprofit, SHEBA, a subrecipient of a substantial portion of the state grant money. SHEBA, which was founded just two years prior, received nearly $3 million in state grants over two years, along with hundreds of thousands in consulting fees.

Despite these allegations, several individuals involved, including Price, Cicero-Hamlin, McCrory, and the former executive director of Blue Hills, have declined to comment on the matter. However, the reference to an investigation has proven accurate. Federal investigators have been examining the distribution of tens of millions of dollars among Hartford nonprofits, some of which serve critical roles in the city’s economically disadvantaged north side.

The investigation gained public attention in July after federal prosecutors issued subpoenas to several nonprofits and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the primary state agency responsible for distributing taxpayer funds. The subpoenas requested detailed records of communications involving McCrory, Cicero-Hamlin, and their affiliated entities. Notably, the DECD was asked to provide documents regarding any personal or non-professional relationships between the two.

McCrory, a former high school and collegiate basketball standout, has served in the legislature for two decades. Cicero-Hamlin, part of a well-known Hartford family, was largely unknown in the nonprofit sector until she launched SHEBA-related businesses in 2022. SHEBA, which stands for the Society of Human Engagement and Business Alignment, markets itself as a minority and women-owned HR support service for entrepreneurs and job seekers.

Blue Hills provided SHEBA with a total of $1.2 million over two fiscal years, significantly more than other subrecipients. The association also paid SHEBA $250,000 annually for consulting services related to human resources. Additionally, Blue Hills paid attorney Kevin T. Henry, a known associate of McCrory, at least $50,000 for advisory services.

The Blue Hills Civic Association ceased operations last spring after failing to report a $300,000 loss due to a fraudulent wire transfer. This loss, along with similar incidents involving the Prosperity Foundation, has led to increased scrutiny of nonprofit financial practices. An independent investigation revealed that the funds were redirected through altered wire instructions, and the former executive director delayed reporting the loss to the state while seeking guidance from McCrory.

Internal documents show that McCrory had significant influence over how Blue Hills allocated its grant money. Budget worksheets and notes referenced decisions made in collaboration with McCrory, suggesting a deep level of involvement. Former employees noted that McCrory spent considerable time at the office, often making it difficult for staff to meet with the executive director.

As the investigation continues, nonprofits across Hartford are preparing for potential legal challenges. While the U.S. Attorney’s office has not confirmed an active probe, many organizations have retained legal counsel and are gathering materials for submission to the FBI. If the investigation follows a typical trajectory, it could extend for several months.