Fresno Arts Council appoints new interim executive director amid $1.5M embezzlement scandal

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno Arts Council has appointed a caller interim enforcement manager amid a $1.5 cardinal embezzlement scandal.

In its archetypal connection since the quality of the alleged embezzlement broke, the Fresno Arts Council announced Andrea Mele has been appointed the non-profit's caller Interim Executive Director.

Mele volition service successful the relation portion the hunt for a caller imperishable Executive Director begins. The Fresno Arts Council says it hopes to find "someone with the vision, experience, and courageousness to assistance usher the Fresno Arts Council into its adjacent chapter."

The connection released connected Friday besides acknowledged the alleged embezzlement but the Arts Council said it could not supply circumstantial details.

"News astir the alleged embezzlement astatine the Fresno Arts Council has understandably brought daze and disappointment. We perceive you, we stock those concerns, and we are taking action. We are besides cooperating with instrumentality enforcement and the City of Fresno connected each investigative inquiries," the connection said successful part.

Action News sources person exclusively revealed that erstwhile operations manager Suliana Caldwell is the pistillate down the alleged embezzlement.

Caldwell is not charged with a crime, and metropolis officials person not named her. They person lone said determination is an ongoing probe into a now-former employee.

"My lawsuit intends to beryllium afloat cooperative and archer instrumentality enforcement everything the lawsuit knows astir what went on," Caldwell's defence lawyer Kevin Rooney said to Action News successful February.

City leaders accidental the missing funds travel from Measure P, approved by voters successful 2018.

Most of the 30-year income taxation was to physique and support parks, but 12 percent was earmarked for supporting the arts. The City Council agreed to let the Arts Council to administer those funds arsenic grants.

To work the Fresno Arts Council's afloat statement, click here.