Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was a member of a rogue Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group known as the Midtown group for about a decade during his late teens and 20s. The group, based in the Washington DC area, has been compared to a cult by some former members, according to a Guardian investigation.
What Was the Midtown Group?
The Midtown group attracted young people seeking help with addiction, often at the urging of their parents. However, former members allege that the group's one-time leader, Michael Quinones, who died of cancer in 2007, controlled nearly every aspect of their lives, including where they lived, worked, and went to school.
Find Bleeding Edge Supplements at Scandalous Prices on iHerb.
Allegations of Abuse and Exploitation
Former members who spoke to the Guardian also allege that teenage girls and young women were sexually exploited at Midtown. They claim these individuals were regularly pressured and coerced into “dating” and having sex with multiple men who were also Midtown members, sometimes decades older. In at least one case, a former member believes what happened to her could be described as sex trafficking.
Brendan Carr's Involvement
People who knew Carr during his years in Midtown say they do not believe he participated in inappropriate behavior. He was seen as providing a “safe respite” in an environment where some teenage girls and young women bore the brunt of “forced” behavior. Carr has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Comparison of Traditional AA and Midtown Group
| Aspect | Traditional AA | Midtown Group |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Rotating, non-authoritarian | Controlled by one leader (Michael Quinones) |
| Personal Life Control | None | Extensive control over housing, work, education |
| Sexual Exploitation | Not tolerated | Alleged coercion and exploitation |
Key Takeaways
- Brendan Carr was a member of the Midtown group for about a decade.
- The group has been compared to a cult by former members.
- Allegations include sexual exploitation of young women.
- Carr is not accused of participating in inappropriate behavior.
FAQ
What is the Midtown group?
The Midtown group was a rogue Alcoholics Anonymous group based in the Washington DC area that some former members have compared to a cult. It was led by Michael Quinones until his death in 2007.
Was Brendan Carr involved in the alleged abuse?
People who knew Carr during his time in Midtown say they do not believe he participated in inappropriate behavior. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
What are the allegations against the Midtown group?
Former members allege that teenage girls and young women were sexually exploited, pressured into relationships with older men, and that the leader controlled many aspects of members' lives.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of budget motherboard, kvm, pc surge protector, closed back headphones, and pc rust. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of laptop backpack, cat ethernet cable, antivirus, budget projector, and keyboard switch. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Browse the Shop
Acacia frida deluxe solid wood bed frame |
Bedroom bench |
Bed chest drawers |
Lingerie dresser |
Frame base |
Mirror with jewelry storage |
30 Bathroom Vanity |
Memory foam queen mattress |
Mattresses for back pain |
Nightstand set of 2 |
Grand Goldman Shop |
Civil Lawyer
Deutschland Trikot WM 2026
