Former San Francisco Civil Rights Leader Arrested Over $100,000 Book Deal and Fund Misuse
Sheryl Davis, the former director of San Francisco's Human Rights Commission, has been arrested on allegations of orchestrating a $100,000 scheme involving the purchase of her children's books by the city's public library. Prosecutors accuse her of engaging in a "pervasive pattern of self-dealing," misappropriating taxpayer funds intended for community programs.
Details of the Alleged Book Scheme
According to court documents, Davis allegedly arranged for the San Francisco Public Library to buy 1,500 copies of her book, "Free to Sing," a story about a young black girl pursuing singing despite criticism. This deal, facilitated through her publisher Book Baby, reportedly earned her $100,000 in 2024. An affidavit reveals that thousands of dollars were used to promote the book through high-profile events and questionable deals, including celebrity-studded gatherings.
Misuse of Nonprofit Funds and Personal Spending
Prosecutors claim Davis used her partner's nonprofit, Collective Impact, as a "slush fund" for lavish personal expenses. These included travel, VIP party tickets, and her son's tuition at UCLA. From 2021 to 2024, the nonprofit spent over $30,000 on hotels and performances by singer Goapele, including $5,000 for a 2023 book launch party for Davis. Additionally, the Human Rights Commission spent at least $6,000 on public relations firm Varner PR to boost book sales.
Broader Financial Misconduct and High-Profile Expenditures
Davis is accused of directing more than $4.5 million in taxpayer funds from the Dream Keeper Initiative, a $120 million program launched after George Floyd's death. Her alleged scheme began while she led this initiative, during which she earned a $350,000 annual salary. Court records detail extravagant spending, including:
- $25,000 on rapper and producer D-Nice
- Over $25,000 on singer Emily King's fees and hotel
- $5,000 on an honorarium for R&B artist Ledisi
- $20,539 for a banquet event featuring journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones
- $10,000 speaker fee to Sonya Curry, mother of NBA star Steph Curry
- $4,810.50 afterparty at International Smoke restaurant
She also allegedly charged $5,554.62 to the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families for purchases of Sonya Curry's memoir.
Personal Luxuries and Evasion Tactics
Investigators say Davis spent public funds on personal luxuries, including $685,000 on sports tickets, venue rentals, and airfare, and $353,000 on restaurants and catering. Other expenses included $80,000 for a Martha’s Vineyard house rental, funding a "Queen’s Weekend Retreat," and approving luxury hotel stays for a friend. She allegedly split invoices below $10,000 to evade financial oversight.
Legal Charges and Aftermath
Davis, 57, faces multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including 13 counts of financial conflict of interest, perjury, misuse of public funds, and accepting improper gifts. An audit revealed $4.6 million of $6.3 million in payments were ineligible or improper. She resigned in September 2024 amid scrutiny and was arrested alongside James Spingola, executive of Collective Impact, who is accused of facilitating the scheme. Both were held on $50,000 bail.
