On Monday, April 20, 2026, the former operations manager at the Fresno Arts Council pleaded guilty in federal court after admitting she siphoned more than $1.8 million from the nonprofit that administered Measure P arts grants. The plea brings to a close a months-long investigation by the FBI and the Fresno Police Department into missing public funds.
What Court Filings Say
According to a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court, Suliana Caldwell began making unauthorized transfers in June 2022 and kept going through February 2026. Prosecutors say she moved money out of Fresno Arts Council accounts through a PayPal account and her personal bank accounts in more than 300 transactions that together totaled roughly $1.82 million. The factual basis attached to the plea says she kept the scheme hidden by falsifying financial reports that went to the Fresno Arts Council's executive director, board members and city and county officials.
Local Fallout For Measure P Grants
The City of Fresno has terminated its contract with the Fresno Arts Council and taken over administration of Measure P grants while officials reconcile records and try to claw back the money, according to the City of Fresno. Local reporting says dozens of arts organizations remain in limbo, unsure what funding will ultimately reach them. Caldwell’s lawyer told reporters she had been in a "downward spiral" before confessing to investigators, per the Fresno Bee.
Plea, Restitution And Next Steps
The case has also been highlighted publicly by FBI Sacramento on X. Court filings in U.S. District Court state that Caldwell pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and agreed to pay restitution not to exceed $1,820,000. She now faces the prospect of a custodial term, with the specific sentence to be determined.
Sentencing And Legal Stakes
A sentencing date will be set by the court after completion of a presentence report, and local coverage indicates prosecutors and defense counsel expect sentencing to occur roughly four months after the plea. Wire fraud under federal law carries a statutory maximum of up to 20 years in prison under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and restitution is mandatory for offenses that caused property loss.
