The Fresno Arts Council, which had been silent on the alleged embezzlement of $1.5 million in taxpayer funds under its control, says it is cooperating with Fresno police and FBI investigators.
In a news release issued Friday morning, the council’s board stated that “we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.”
The board also stated that it “acted immediately to secure organizational records and initiate appropriate next steps.”
Suspect No Longer Works for Arts Council: Mayor
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer previously said that the theft of Measure P parks and arts sales tax funds was committed by an arts council employee who no longer works for the nonprofit.
Neither law enforcement nor city officials have revealed the former employee’s identity.
Dyer also said that Measure P grant recipients awaiting their money would be made whole. About 82% of current Measure P arts grants have been distributed.
Lt. Larry Bowlan, Fresno Police spokesman, said Monday that the department learned on Feb. 6 about the embezzlement and launched the probe. The FBI is involved because Measure P revenues are raised through a 3/8ths of a cent sales tax in Fresno, he said.
Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi said earlier this week that he was “appalled” at the lack of oversight by the arts council.
“You don’t steal $1.5 million overnight. Any nonprofit is required to follow accounting principles. … The fact that for over a long period of time somebody was able to fleece our taxpayers of $1.5 million or more, it’s unacceptable,” Karbassi said.