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Former San Francisco Human Rights Chief Charged With 17 Felonies in Dream Keeper Case

Prosecutors say the corruption case exposes weak oversight of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

Overview

  • Sheryl Davis and James Spingola, who surrendered on warrants Monday, were booked as DA Brooke Jenkins filed 17 felonies and two misdemeanors against Davis and four felony counts against Spingola.
  • Prosecutors allege Davis steered about $4.5 million in Dream Keeper funds to Collective Impact, while the filed charges focus on roughly $350,000 in alleged misappropriation tied to specific programs.
  • Investigators say the pair shared bank accounts and a home since 2015 and that Davis stayed on as a signatory for the nonprofit’s bank account, citing evidence from 50 search warrants and internal emails.
  • A city audit reported more than $4 million in questionable Human Rights Commission spending, including flight upgrades, a Martha’s Vineyard rental, PR to promote Davis’ book, and payments that benefited her son.
  • Davis and Spingola deny intentional wrongdoing, and Davis’ lawyer says she sought financial oversight and internal audits from the city.