Indictment of Black Lives Matter Leader in Oklahoma City

A federal grand jury has indicted the executive director of Black Lives Matter in Oklahoma City, Tashera Sheri Amore Dickerson, on multiple charges. The allegations include misuse of funds amounting to millions, which were reportedly spent on personal expenses such as groceries, international trips, and real estate.

On Thursday, prosecutors revealed that Dickerson, 52, faces 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering based on court documents.

In a live video posted on Facebook, Dickerson reassured her supporters, stating, “I’m home. I’m safe. I trust our team,” but refrained from discussing the indictment further. She added, “A lot of times when people come at you for this kind of thing, it’s proof that you’re doing your job; that’s what I stand for.”

According to the indictment, Dickerson has been in her role with Black Lives Matter OKC since at least 2016. The organization has raised over $5.6 million since 2020, with funds primarily collected through online donations and a national bail fund following George Floyd’s death.

The charges suggest that Dickerson embezzled at least $3.15 million, redirecting bail funds into her personal bank account. Allegations also claim she used these funds for various personal expenditures, including trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, a significant amount of grocery deliveries, and the acquisition of multiple properties in Oklahoma City.

Additionally, prosecutors allege that Dickerson submitted false reports to her partner organization claiming the funds were spent exclusively for charitable purposes. She could face up to 20 years in federal prison and hefty fines for each wire fraud charge, along with potential sentences for money laundering.

As of now, it remains unclear when she will appear in court.