Sheryl Davis, the former head of San Francisco's Human Rights Commission, was arrested Monday on charges she funneled $8.5 million in city funds to nonprofits she controlled while maintaining personal and financial ties to them. According to prosecutors from three major outlets, Davis directed millions in funding from the Dream Keeper Initiative - a program aimed at investing in Black communities following George Floyd's death - to Collective Impact, a nonprofit where her partner James Spingola served as executive director.
Key Takeaways
Former San Francisco Human Rights Commission head Sheryl Davis was charged with funneling $8.5 million in city funds to nonprofits she controlled, including one led by her partner James Spingola. Both were arrested Monday after an 18-month investigation revealed a pattern of self-dealing and misuse of public funds.
- Former SF Human Rights Commission head Sheryl Davis charged with 17 felony counts
- $8.5 million in city funds allegedly misdirected to nonprofits she controlled
- Partner James Spingola charged as accomplice in scheme
- Funds came from Dream Keeper Initiative for Black communities
- Both defendants claim they sought financial oversight that wasn't provided
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced 17 felony charges against Davis including conflict of interest, misappropriation of public funds, and perjury. Spingola was charged with four counts for allegedly aiding and abetting Davis's conflicts of interest in city contracts. The charges follow an 18-month investigation that included more than 50 search warrants.
Prosecutors allege Davis maintained financial control over Collective Impact even after joining the Human Rights Commission, serving as a signatory on bank accounts and directing spending. According to court documents reported by Los Angeles Times, she used nonprofit funds for personal expenses including flights, hotel stays, and her son's graduate school tuition. The affidavit describes what prosecutors call a "pervasive pattern of self-dealing."
Davis also allegedly approved $3.5 million in city funds to another organization that paid her son nearly $140,000, according to CBS News. Prosecutors say she used public funds for personal branding and facilitated the purchase of copies of her book by the San Francisco Public Library from which she profited more than $5,000.
A city audit flagged additional questionable spending including a 30-night luxury hotel stay, hundreds of sports tickets, and lavishly catered events as reported by Fox News. The Dream Keeper Initiative has faced scrutiny over how funds were allocated and tracked with critics raising concerns about transparency and oversight.
Defense attorneys for both Davis and Spingola pushed back on the allegations claiming their clients sought financial supervision that wasn't provided by city officials. If convicted, Davis could face two to four years in prison and be barred from holding public office in California.
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