In 2018, Sonserae Cicero started a consulting business called the Society of Human Engagement and Business Alignment (SHEBA). Just four years later, in 2022, she turned SHEBA into a nonprofit organization. On the surface, it looked like another small community group hoping to help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed.
But almost immediately, SHEBA began receiving large amounts of state and federal taxpayer money. In total the organization received over $3.4 million between 2021 and 2025. This raised eyebrows, as SHEBA was so new and had little proven track record.
The story became even more complicated because Cicero was closely connected to Senator Douglas McCrory, a state lawmaker from Hartford. McCrory sat on the Minority Business Initiative (MBI) board and used his position to help SHEBA secure money. He also had ties to the Blue Hill Civic Association (BHCA), through which SHEBA received another $1.4 million, according to tax records.
This connection between Cicero and McCrory eventually became part of a federal grand jury investigation into how taxpayer dollars were distributed.
Who Is Sonserae Cicero?
A closer look at Cicero’s history shows why a background check could have raised concerns:
- Multiple Names: She has gone by Sonserae Morgan and Sonserae Cicero-Hamlin.
- Criminal Past: Arrested several times in Florida during the 1990s for passing bad checks, petty theft, and failing to vacate property.
- Financial Issues: Filed for bankruptcy in 2010 (later dismissed), and faced court judgments for unpaid medical debt in 2016 and 2018.
- Failed Businesses: Registered companies and nonprofits in Florida that went nowhere, some with the same associates later involved in SHEBA.
- Questionable Job Claims: State officials described her as a “top executive at Walgreens,” but Walgreens confirmed she was only a human resources manager at a warehouse, not an executive.
Despite this background, Cicero positioned herself as a leader in talent development and even listed herself as “Chair of the Women of Walgreens Boots Alliance”, a claim Walgreens could not verify.
The Role of Senator McCrory
Sen. McCrory played a key role in Cicero’s rise. As a member of the MBI board, he pushed for SHEBA to get funding, even when other board members raised concerns about awarding large grants to a brand-new nonprofit.
For example, when one board member, George Mathanool, questioned giving startup funds to SHEBA, McCrory shot him down, accusing him of not having his “facts straight.” McCrory also personally contacted state officials to ask why SHEBA’s payments were delayed and introduced Cicero to other funding sources, including the Connecticut Lottery Corporation.
Because of his political influence, SHEBA was able to secure contracts and grants quickly — even when the organization had little to show for its experience or stability.
SHEBA Funding Sources
SHEBA received taxpayer dollars from multiple sources:
- $500,000 from the Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) in 2021.
- $300,000 directly from the Minority Business Initiative (MBI), run by DECD.
- $1.4 million through the Blue Hill Civic Association (BHCA).
- $400,000 per year for five years ($2 million total) as part of a $5 million partnership grant with another nonprofit, Girls for Technology (GFT).
- Additional funds from COVID-19 relief programs and the State Department of Education.
Altogether, SHEBA’s contracts and partnerships funneled millions in public money into an organization with a weak track record and a leader whose background would have raised red flags.
The Consequences
Because no one ran a background check, the situation spiraled into a federal grand jury investigation.
- For Cicero: Her past arrests, bankruptcies, and debts became public knowledge. She was accused of exaggerating her work history, and her reputation as a nonprofit leader was destroyed.
- For SHEBA: The nonprofit’s credibility collapsed, overshadowed by scandal. Future grants and partnerships were at risk.
- For McCrory: His reputation was questioned due to his close relationship with Cicero and his efforts to push funding her way.
- For the State: Agencies like DECD and MBI were forced to explain why they gave millions to a nonprofit without vetting its leadership. Public trust in the system suffered.
- For the Community: Funds meant to support small businesses and vulnerable populations were caught up in scandal, leaving those communities underserved.
The Lesson & Consequences
Not every mistake from someone’s past should automatically disqualify them. But when millions of taxpayer dollars are involved, due diligence is essential. A simple background check could have uncovered:
- The arrests and bankruptcies.
- The failed businesses.
- The exaggeration of her professional history.
This would have given decision-makers the chance to ask tough questions before approving so much funding.
The Consequences
The lack of screening had a led to:
- For Cicere:
- She has became the focus of a federal grand jury investigation.
- Her credibility was damaged as past arrests, debts, and misleading claims came to light.
- Her name and reputation were permanently tied to a public scandal.
- For the nonprofit (SHEBA):
- Funding sources froze or pulled back.
- Partnerships with other nonprofits were strained.
- The organization’s mission was overshadowed by headlines about fraud, politics, and mismanagement.
- For government and partners:
- Agencies that gave SHEBA money were forced to explain why they hadn’t checked her background.
- Community trust was damaged. The public questioned how tax dollars could be given to someone with such a questionable history.
What This Shows
Not every red flag is a deal breaker, people can grow and change. But when millions of taxpayer dollars and vulnerable communities are at stake, organizations must know who they are partnering with.
A background check would have:
- Revealed Cicero’s arrests and financial struggles.
- Confirmed she was not an executive at Walgreens.
- Helped decision-makers ask harder questions before handing over millions.
How Sure Check Helps Nonprofits
Sure Check makes it simple for nonprofits, grantmakers, and partners to protect themselves with same-day, affordable background checks:
- Criminal checks at the county, state, and federal level.
- Alias and SSN searches to uncover past records under different names.
- Verification of education, licenses, and employment claims.
- Financial and civil checks like bankruptcy or liens.
- Compliance tools like OIG, SAM, and global watchlist monitoring.
- Continuous monitoring for leadership and staff.
By running these checks, nonprofits avoid scandals, protect funding, and build trust with donors, communities, and regulators.
The Takeaway
The SHEBA case shows what happens when organizations skip due diligence: careers ruined, missions derailed, and communities left without the help they were promised.
With Sure Check, nonprofits can prevent costly mistakes, protect their reputation, and make sure their resources truly go to those in need.