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.<\/p>\n
In a news release issued Friday morning, the council\u2019s board stated that \u201cwe are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.\u201d<\/p>\n
The board also stated that it \u201cacted immediately to secure organizational records and initiate appropriate next steps.\u201d<\/p>\n
Suspect No Longer Works for Arts Council: Mayor<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Neither law enforcement nor city officials have revealed the former employee\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi said earlier this week that he was \u201cappalled\u201d at the lack of oversight by the arts council.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t steal $1.5 million overnight. Any nonprofit is required to follow accounting principles. \u2026 The fact that for over a long period of time somebody was able to fleece our taxpayers of $1.5 million or more, it\u2019s unacceptable,\u201d Karbassi said.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\u202f<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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