Charges Against Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City Director
The executive director of Black Lives Matter (BLM) Oklahoma City has been charged with wire fraud and money laundering after federal prosecutors claim she misappropriated over $3.15 million in bail checks intended for the organization’s funds. This indictment was unveiled on Thursday.
Tashera Sheri Amore Dickerson, 52, from Oklahoma City, is accused of diverting funds earmarked for the group’s bail fund and social justice initiatives to her personal accounts from June 2020 through October 2025.
The indictment alleges that Dickerson used the diverted funds for personal expenses, such as trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, substantial retail purchases, extensive food delivery costs, a vehicle, and multiple real estate properties.
Since 2020, BLM OKC has reportedly raised over $5.6 million, supported by significant grants from organizations like Community Justice Exchange and others. These funds were channeled through the Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), which served as BLM OKC’s fiscal sponsor, ensuring funds were used in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) for tax-exempt purposes.
AFGJ imposed restrictions on unauthorized property purchases and required BLM OKC to provide complete accounting for its expenditures when requested.
According to prosecutors, Dickerson funneled at least $3.15 million from bail checks into her personal accounts instead of BLM OKC’s accounts. Furthermore, two annual reports submitted to AFGJ via interstate wire allegedly failed to disclose her personal use of these funds.
Based on these reports, it appeared that the organization’s funds were used solely for tax-exempt purposes.
As indicated in the indictment, Dickerson has been managing the group since at least 2016 and had access to various accounts associated with BLM OKC.
The fraud is said to have begun when the National Bail Fund allowed BLM OKC to keep a portion of returned bail funds for a revolving bail fund and to further its mission.
In 2022, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation faced scrutiny when it was reported that it had used donations to buy a property in California for $6 million. This revelation led to public debate about the financial oversight within BLM affiliates.
A federal grand jury has formally charged Dickerson with 25 counts—20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. She could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years for each money laundering charge, with potential fines reaching $250,000 for each count.
It’s important to note that all charges are still accusations, and Dickerson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case has been investigated by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
