FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Multiple sources tell Action News that Suliana Caldwell is the woman behind the alleged embezzlement of $1.5 million at the Fresno Arts Council.
Action News went to Caldwell’s house 10 days ago. She did not answer the door and ignored messages.
She has now hired defense attorney Kevin Rooney.
“My client intends to be fully cooperative and tell law enforcement everything the client knows about what went on,” Rooney said on Monday.
RELATED: The timeline behind Fresno Arts Council’s alleged embezzlement
Caldwell is not charged with a crime, and city officials have not named her. They have only said there is an ongoing investigation into a now-former employee.
“The individual that you’re representing, you are confirming, no longer works with the Arts Council?” Action News asked.
“That’s correct,” Rooney said.
Caldwell’s headshot remains on the Arts Council’s website. Sources tell Action News that with a staff so small, removing it could confirm her involvement.
Caldwell was the Operations Manager.
“Would she have come into touch with financials on a regular basis?” Action News asked.
“I don’t want to get into the specifics of my client’s former employment,” Rooney said.
City leaders say the missing funds come from Measure P, approved by voters in 2018.
Most of the 30-year sales tax was to build and maintain parks, but 12 percent was earmarked for supporting the arts. The City Council agreed to allow the Arts Council to administer those funds as grants.
“We’re going to provide full and complete information to law enforcement about how the money was handled,” Rooney said.
The Arts Council has largely avoided questions. Staff members previously put up partitions as Action News knocked on the door.
An employee only said the executive director was unavailable and had “no comment” before locking the door.
“It’s certainly a serious situation,” Rooney said. “It’s certainly unfortunate.”
Rooney confirmed he is communicating with law enforcement, but would not say if it includes the FBI.
City officials have previously said there is a local and federal investigation.
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