The woman accused of stealing $1.8 million from the Fresno Arts Council walked into federal court in Fresno on Monday.<\/p>\n
Inside, Suliana Caldwell pleaded guilty to wire fraud.<\/p>\n
“Do you understand what’s happening here today?” Judge Jennifer Thurston asked. “Yes,” Caldwell said.<\/p>\n
Over four years, investigators say Caldwell used her position as the Arts Council’s operations manager to embezzle money and falsify reports in what they call “a scheme to defraud.”<\/p>\n
It extended from California to Nevada and Washington. Prosecutors say Caldwell used the money to gamble and pay for vacations.<\/p>\n
“Whatever money (Caldwell’s) taken, she’s taken and lost,” defense attorney Kevin Rooney said in court.<\/p>\n
“Ms. Caldwell had some emotional problems, alcohol problems, all of it spirals into the gambling addiction,” he later told reporters outside.<\/p>\n
Caldwell will soon enter an inpatient alcohol treatment facility and is currently receiving mental health treatment.<\/p>\n
“Does she recognize the seriousness of it?” Action News asked Rooney.<\/p>\n
“Of course,” he said. “Ms. Caldwell is extremely distraught about what she’s done. It’s impacted her family. It’s impacted the Fresno Arts Council.”<\/p>\n
But Caldwell has never addressed the Fresno artists who relied on the Arts Council for grants.<\/p>\n
She ignored Action News’ knock at her door in February, and on Monday, did not answer questions.<\/p>\n
“We’ve heard from so many artists (who are) very angry that some of their money, they say, was stolen. What would she tell those artists?” Action News asked.<\/p>\n
“I can’t speak (to) exactly what Ms. Caldwell would say, Rooney said. “She’s very upset. It’s just unfortunate all around for the artists, for the community, for Ms. Caldwell, (and) for her family.”<\/p>\n
Caldwell’s sentencing is scheduled for August 10. She could face up to 20 years in federal prison.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n