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Richmond LAND Executive Director Princess Robinson has publicly accused former Board President Randy Joseph of embezzling $204,960 from the community organization through unauthorized checks written between January 2023 and September 2024.
Robinson, who assumed her role in June 2024, said she discovered the alleged financial misconduct on September 5, 2024, while reviewing the organization’s financial records.
According to Robinson’s public statement, Joseph “had written, signed and cashed multiple unapproved and unexplained checks from Richmond LAND’s checking account at Mechanics Bank” without proper authorization or explanation. The total amount of these unauthorized withdrawals is believed to total $204,960.
“Immediately upon discovery, I requested Mr. Joseph’s resignation and attempted to recover any losses,” Robinson wrote in an email to the community. “A police report was filed, and the incident was reported to all required regulatory bodies.”
The public disclosure was made more than eight months after the organization reportedly took action.
“The timing of this public disclosure was carefully considered to ensure that the organization could take appropriate action before making this information widely available,” Robinson said.
Richmond LAND operates as a community land trust, removing land and housing from the for-profit market to maintain resident control over community assets. The organization focuses on preventing gentrification and displacement through permanently affordable housing initiatives.
Joseph is listed as a member of Reimagine Richmond, a community organization advocating for a shift in police budget funds toward social programs. He is a former Community Police Review Commissioner and lists his current occupation as Housing Justice Program Manager at RYSE Center in Richmond on LinkedIn. Grandview has sought comments from Joseph about the allegations but has not received a response.
The alleged embezzlement occurred during a period when Richmond LAND faced significant operational challenges, including reduced staffing that required board members to assume day-to-day responsibilities, according to Robinson.
“As staffing decreased, members of the Board of Directors were required to assume day-to-day operational responsibilities without the necessary training, oversight, or infrastructure, further exacerbating these challenges,” Robinson said.
Robinson characterized the organization as having lacked “sustainable systems for collective decision-making” and experiencing “difficulties in navigating internal conflicts” during the timeframe when the alleged misconduct occurred.
In response to the discovery, Robinson said Richmond LAND has implemented comprehensive new financial policies and safeguards designed to prevent future incidents. The organization has also assembled a new team focused on analyzing and improving internal systems.
“We have implemented a comprehensive new financial policy with updated processes and safeguards to prevent future financial misconduct,” Robinson said. “These measures will ensure greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility within our organization.”
Robinson acknowledged the potential impact on the organization’s reputation but emphasized her commitment to rebuilding Richmond LAND’s infrastructure and maintaining its mission.
Carol Hegstrom, who served on the CPRC with Joseph, said she was shocked to learn of the allegations.
“In my opinion, he was a good commissioner and made decisions based on evidence, not personal bias,” Hegstrom posted online. “I am shocked to learn of his alleged misdeeds.”
Richmond Land was launched as the Richmond Community-owned Development Enterprise and is now an independent organization known as Richmond LAND.
Current projects include the North Richmond Eco Village, which aims to revitalize vacant public housing land by offering high-quality tiny homes on movable foundations, providing low-cost rentals and rent-to-own options for existing residents. The organization also runs a resident-led project on South 24th Street designed to prevent the displacement of Richmond residents.
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