A local Oklahoma Black Lives Matter leader was indicted by a federal grand jury for charges of wire fraud and embezzlement after accusations she used funds meant for social justice causes for her own personal benefit, authorities said.
Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, 52, the executive director of Black Lives Matter OKC, was accused of embezzling more than $3 million in funds, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma said on Dec. 11. She was indicted on Dec. 3 with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering.
She is accused of using the funds on recreational travel to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, food and groceries for herself and her children, retail shopping, a personal vehicle and six properties in Oklahoma City.
Dickerson could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for money laundering if convicted. She was released on conditions on Dec. 11 after making her first court appearance. Federal Public Defender Jeff Byers declined to comment when reached by the Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network.
"Whatever happens, the work don't stop," Dickerson said in a video streamed live to social media after the court appearance.
