Former Fresno Arts Council Manager Admits to $1.82 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Suliana Caldwell, previously the operations manager for the Fresno Arts Council, is poised to admit guilt to a felony charge of wire fraud for misappropriating $1.82 million from the nonprofit organization. Over a span of three years and nine months, she conducted over 300 unauthorized wire transfers, diverting money from council accounts to her personal PayPal accounts. To hide her actions from the executive director, board members, and local officials, Caldwell fabricated financial documents. The stolen funds, primarily from public sources like the City of Fresno, were spent on gambling and vacations. Her fraudulent activities escalated following the council's receipt of substantial Measure P tax revenues, including $9.7 million in November 2023 and $5.7 million in October 2024, designated for arts grants. Caldwell admitted her wrongdoing to the Fresno Police and the FBI on March 26. Under her plea agreement, she is required to repay the $1.82 million to the victims and is restricted from selling assets. She could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with an arraignment set for April 20 in federal court. The investigation into the misappropriation of public funds was first reported by Fresnoland.