Fargo activist arrested for felony theft, accused of stealing state grant money

Faith Dixon was arrested on a felony warrant issued in Burleigh County.

FARGO (KVRR) – A Fargo activist who’s been involved in Black Lives Matter and social justice issues is accused of misappropriating money she received after applying for grants from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

Faith Dixon is in custody in the Cass County Jail in Fargo. She was arrested on a felony warrant issued in Burleigh County.

According to the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office, the investigation began in September, 2023 and involved grant money received by the non-profit FAITH4HOPE Scholarship Fund.

A detailed, 18-page complaint says Dixon applied for grants totaling more than $1,548,228 and received about $350,000.

Court documents say the grant application claimed the money would be used to provide middle school and high school students with “free comprehensive after-school programs…and habits needed to help them succeed in school and life.”

The complaint says Dixon’s request claimed that FAITH4HOPE would collaborate with other local businesses and non-profit agencies including Be The Light Dance Studio, Revolution Records, P’s & Q’s Etiquette and the Man Up Club.

Dixon is charged with five counts of felony theft of property. Four of the charges have a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, the remaining charge carries up to five years in prison.

Dixon’s husband, Charles Dixon is also facing charges connected to the case.

The case is being investigated by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley declined to comment.