One week after the news came out that $1.5 million was embezzled in Measure P funding, the Fresno Arts Council announced Friday that it is cooperating with investigators.
The arts council said it has secured the records needed for the investigation.
The backstory: Fresno city leaders revealed that a former employee of the Fresno Arts Council embezzled $1.5 million in Measure P funding that was intended for competitive grants to expand access to arts.
The Arts Council received a five-year contract in 2023 to administer and distribute the Measure P grant funds.
While the council received $9.7 million to distribute over the first two cycles, the city denied a $6.6 million payment last October because the council did not provide sufficient documentation to justify prior expenditures.
What they’re saying: “Upon being informed of the allegations, the Board acted immediately to secure organizational records and initiate appropriate next steps,” the Fresno Arts Council said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with the City of Fresno and law enforcement.”
The council said it is unable to provide any further comment because of the ongoing investigation and will provide additional information as appropriate.