Uncertainty and questions surround the future Measure P after funds were embezzled

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Uncertainty inactive surrounds the aboriginal of Measure P backing pursuing the embezzlement of much than $1 cardinal by a erstwhile Fresno Arts Council unit member.

On Monday, the Fresno Parks, Recreation and Arts Committee met to sermon a 5-year valuation of Measure P and the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) Grant Program it funds.

But those numbers did not see the actions of erstwhile Fresno Arts Council operations manager Suliana Caldwell.

"That was not the taxable of our valuation due to the fact that we felt that we did not person accusation pertaining to that," said PRAC commissioner Jose Leon Barraza.

On Monday morning, Caldwell pleaded blameworthy to embezzling $1.8 cardinal from the Council.

Investigators accidental she abused her position, made unauthorized withdrawals and falsified fiscal reports.

RELATED: Former Fresno Arts Council worker pleads blameworthy to fraud successful $1.8 cardinal 'scheme'

Caldwell's lawyer revealed successful a national courtroom that she struggles with intoxicant and gambling addiction, and prosecutors accidental overmuch of the wealth was gambled distant oregon utilized to money vacations.

"I can't talk to precisely what Ms. Caldwell would say. She's precise upset. It's conscionable unfortunate each astir for the artists, for the community, for Ms. Caldwell and for her family," said Caldwell's attorney, Kevin Rooney

The harm from Caldwell's theft is inactive being assessed.

More than 30 Measure P recipients had their funds frozen erstwhile the transgression was discovered successful February.

"I truly consciousness for the arts assemblage close now, due to the fact that they person taken a deed and it seems similar thing is not getting done accelerated enough," said PRAC seat Kimberly McCoy.

Caldwell's actions interrupted the 2nd rhythm of backing distribution.

But arsenic the 3rd rhythm prepares to unfastened for application, questions inactive remain.

"I find it hard to proceed connected with rhythm 3 erstwhile we inactive person each this different worldly going connected with rhythm two," McCoy said.

Caldwell could look up to 20 years successful national prison.

Her sentencing is scheduled for August 10.