Former Fresno Arts Council manager pleads guilty to stealing $1.8M for gambling, vacations
Suliana Caldwell pleaded guilty to wire fraud for embezzling $1.8 million from the Fresno Arts Council for personal expenses.Summary
Suliana Caldwell, former operations manager of the Fresno Arts Council, has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges after admitting to embezzling approximately $1.8 million from the organization between June 2022 and February 2026. Caldwell made over 300 unauthorized wire transfers to her personal accounts, using the stolen funds for gambling, vacations, and other personal spending. She concealed the scheme by creating false financial reports submitted to the organization’s leadership and the City and County of Fresno. The theft has left numerous local artists and organizations awaiting promised grant funding. Caldwell confessed to the crimes in March 2026 and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though the government will recommend a sentence within federal guidelines, along with full restitution of $1.8 million.
(Source：The Businessjournal)