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Fresno staff report alleged $1.5 million embezzlement by Arts Council, commission recommends $1.5M appropriation
Summary
City staff told the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission that an employee of the Fresno Arts Council allegedly embezzled about $1.5 million in Measure P arts funds; after reviewing a reconciliation plan, the commission voted to recommend a $1.5 million annual appropriation resolution to make recovered funds available to Cycle 2 grantees.
City staff told commissioners on Feb. 23 that an employee of the Fresno Arts Council allegedly embezzled approximately $1,500,000 in Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture grant funds and that the city had begun a forensic reconciliation and law‑enforcement referrals.
The city manager, Georganne White, and Shelby McNabb, assistant parks director, outlined steps taken since the matter came to light: the city was informed on Feb. 5, met with the Fresno Arts Council on Feb. 6, the Fresno Police Department opened a criminal investigation that same day, and the city terminated its contract with the Arts Council effective Feb. 20 and requested return of related documents. Staff said they have begun financial reconciliation and will pursue legal remedies and insurance claims as appropriate.
Why this matters: the alleged loss affects dozens of nonprofit arts…
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