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.
