A D.C. Superior Court judge has approved a consent judgment permanently barring Robynn Chandler-Mitchell from serving as an officer or director of any nonprofit corporation in the District of Columbia, following findings that she misappropriated funds from a local school-support organization.
The case, filed under Civil Action No. 2024-CAB-001351, stems from Chandler-Mitchell’s tenure as treasurer and board member of Parents Organized for the Power of Powell School (POPPS), a District-based nonprofit that supports Powell Elementary School. The District of Columbia, through the Office of the Attorney General, alleged that Chandler-Mitchell violated the D.C. Nonprofit Corporation Act (NCA) by misusing POPPS funds for personal benefit, breaching fiduciary duties, and violating both nonprofit law and the organization’s bylaws.
“Nonprofit bank accounts cannot be used as personal ATMs,” said D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. “Chandler-Mitchell misappropriated funds intended to support POPPS and its nonprofit mission – supporting the students, teachers, and staff at Powell Elementary, and we are requiring her to return those misappropriated funds. As the District’s independent Attorney General, I will continue to ensure that nonprofit officers in D.C. follow the law and do not abuse their positions for illegal private enrichment.”
To resolve the case without further litigation, Chandler-Mitchell agreed to a permanent injunction barring her from ever serving as an officer or director of any nonprofit corporation in the District. She also consented to repay POPPS $17,084.84.
In March, Adam Gitlin, chief of the Antitrust & Nonprofit Enforcement Section of the OAG, told NBC Washington that they were going to court to make sure she paid up, no matter the purpose of the purchases, which were allegedly for groceries, restaurants and spa treatments.
“That money needs to be returned to that nonprofit. There really isn’t even a question about whether she did or didn’t do or had good intentions or bad intentions, that’s not really in play,” Gitlin said.
The court-approved payment schedule requires an initial $2,000 payment by June 5, followed by $2,000 monthly payments starting in July 2025, and a final payment of $1,084.84. The District may waive pre- and post-judgment interest if the full amount is repaid by Dec. 31.
If Chandler-Mitchell fails to comply with the repayment terms or violates the injunction, the District may impose 5% interest compounded annually and require immediate payment of the outstanding balance.
The judgment also states that the debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Schwalb emphasized that this case was to right a wrong and keep Powell Elementary thriving.
“We brought this case to ensure that the misused funds will be returned to the Powell school community to serve the… nonprofit mission: supporting students, families, teachers, and staff at Powell,” the attorney wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.