Fund-raiser files $4.4 million lawsuit against NAACP

Gilbert Jonas, the former chief fund-raiser for the NAACP, recently filed suit in New York charging the group with knowingly misappropriating donated funds over the past three years. He is seeking nearly $4.4 million in back pay and damages.

Jonas claims the NAACP led donors to believe their contributions were being used for civil rights causes when "a large portion" was spent "or otherwise dissipated to the personal benefit of the officers and the directors" of the NAACP.

Jonas asked the court to attach the NAACP's assets and appoint a receiver to oversee its business affairs. He also asked that the NAACP stop paying other creditors until it settles a $394,822 debt for six months' work.

Former NAACP Executive Director Benjamin Chavis Jr. said, "It's very disingenuous" of Jonas to raise allegations of mismanagement "to exploit the NAACP for further monetary gain" when Jonas himself earned "millions of dollars" from the group in fees and expenses.

"I intend to consult with my lawyers and to issue a full statement in response to what I believe is another injustice toward myself and the NAACP," Chavis added. The suit, however, did not name Chavis, who was fired last year after it was revealed the NAACP was $3 million in debt.