The former operations manager for Fresno Arts Council who pleaded guilty to embezzling $1.8 million in public funds was sentenced Monday to 33 months in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in a news release that Caldwell abused her position to steal public money.

“She lied and falsified financial reports in order to use taxpayer dollars to fund casino trips, vacations, and personal indulgences,” Grant said in the release. “Her actions undermined a community that believed in her. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting public funds and holding accountable anyone who exploits her position for personal gain.

Fresno Police helped with the investigation.

“While it is disappointing that the community’s trust was violated by the theft Caldwell committed, we are grateful that the Fresno Police Department’s partnership with FBI investigators helped the U.S. Attorney’s Office to swiftly bring justice for the taxpayers in the city of Fresno,” said Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto.

Arts Grants Now Open for Measure P Funds

Caldwell had worked as operations manager at the arts council from 2021 to when she was fired in February. Her embezzling scheme began in 2022, then picked up significantly in 2023 once the city of Fresno began sending Measure P tax money to the organization to administer arts grants to other nonprofits.

She was taking $80,000 a month on average and using it to pay for a gambling habit, vacations, and for personal expenses. The Arts Council detected Caldwell’s theft in February when one of its checks bounced.

Her theft left a $1.5 million shortfall in Measure P funds that the city had to make up for when it took over the role of administering arts grants.

Now, the city has opened up the third round of arts grants with an initial deadline of Aug. 15 and a final application deadline of Sept. 30.