Suliana Caldwell sentenced to 33 months for Fresno Arts Council embezzlement

Suliana Caldwell, the former operations manager of the Fresno Arts Council, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for embezzling over $1.5 million in public funds. Caldwell held her position from 2021 until February 2026, during which time she managed the council’s bank accounts, payroll, and grants.

Investigations revealed that Caldwell began making unauthorized withdrawals in 2022. The scale of the theft increased significantly in 2023 after the council was designated to administer Measure P funds, a voter-approved tax initiative intended to support Fresno’s parks, trails, and arts programs. At its peak, Caldwell was allegedly stealing an average of $80,000 per month.

To conceal the crime, Caldwell falsified financial reports and misrepresented bank account balances to the council’s executive director, board members, and local government officials. The stolen funds were reportedly used to finance personal luxuries, including casino trips and vacations.