Woman gets 33 months in prison for stealing $1.5M in Fresno Measure P arts funds

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Suliana Caldwell was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison on Monday for stealing about $1.5 million in Measure P funds through the Fresno Arts Council.

The money was intended to support arts and culture in the community.

[RELATED] Lauren Nikkel named next executive director of the Fresno Arts Council

The theft took opportunities away from the arts community, impacted city employees who acted in good faith, and damaged public trust.

The sentence was described as an important step toward accountability, with an emphasis that public dollars belong to the people and that work must continue to protect them and restore the public’s trust.