SAFE Forces Closure of Sweet Auburn Works After Systemic Financial Misconduct

ATLANTA - Sept. 26, 2025 - PRLog -- Atlanta, GA — After years of public-facing promises, a long standing local nonprofit "Sweet Auburn Works" has been shuttered following investigations that expose millions in misallocated donor funds, internal deception, and dereliction of mission. The crackdown was executed in coordination with the IRS and Georgia's Secretary of State, initiated by the independent watchdog reporting agency S.A.F.E.

Misuse on a Grand Scale

• According to Form 990 filings, Sweet Auburn Works reported just $82,211 in revenue in 2021, but $218,966 in expenses—indicating a deficit of $136,755.  
• That same year, 35.9 % of expenses were listed as executive compensation, including $60,000 to Executive Director LeJuano Varnell.  
• Sweet Auburn Works held $1,115,785 in assets but also recorded liabilities exceeding its assets, leaving net assets in negative territory.  
• Over the previous decade, Sweet Auburn had attracted over $155 million in investment and had more than $500 million in projects under development or pipeline.  

These figures betray the narrative of a thriving, mission-driven nonprofit. They point instead to a structure where internal enrichment and fund misdirection overshadowed community impact.

From Promise to Disenfranchisement

What had been positioned as community revitalization was in many cases displacement and neglect. Sweet Auburn Works leadership diverted funds intended for beautification and infrastructure in historic Sweet Auburn. Neighborhoods that needed basic interventions were left behind while gentrification advanced—homeless populations were displaced, and community-led efforts were blocked.

When confronted, Sweet Auburn Works leadership stonewalled. "Varnell lied to my face when I demanded answers about the stolen beautification funds," said a SAFE watchdog journalist who prefers anonymity for fear of retaliation. "I approached him in good faith—he refused to answer. The betrayal is unforgivable. That is why SAFE worked with state and federal bodies to end Sweet Auburn Works operations. Corruption can't hide under the cover of nonprofit status forever."

SAFE will publish follow-up releases: audit findings, legal actions, and reinvestment plans—creating ongoing waves of visibility, accountability and sustained solutions to restore what Sweet Auburn Works stole.

For more information visit https://joinsafe.org/.