A former civil rights commissioner in San Francisco is under fire for allegedly misusing city funds for personal use and to cover his son’s education expenses, all while still receiving taxpayer-funded severance payments. Cheryl Davis, 57, who resigned from her role as chair of the Human Rights Commission in September 2024 due to a potential conflict, reportedly takes home around $4,952 monthly from the San Francisco Employees Retirement System.
Davis was appointed to lead the Human Rights Commission in 2018, earning nearly $340,000 during her last full term. She stepped down after it was revealed that she facilitated a deal with Collective Impact, a nonprofit led by her partner, James Spingola. This organization raised approximately $8.5 million as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative, which aims to support San Francisco’s Black community in response to the 2020 police killing of George Floyd.
Following an internal audit and ethics review, serious allegations arose against Davis, claiming she mismanaged public funds in “frivolous” ways and diverted money for her own use. Prosecutors argue that she effectively turned Collective Impact into a “slush fund” for lavish parties and personal projects, including travel upgrades, attendance at VIP events in various upscale locales, and promoting her children’s book.
The audit from the Office of Inspector General in 2025 indicated that millions in city funds were improperly used, with specific figures showing over $685,000 for sports tickets and travel, along with significant sums for dining and event expenses. Further investigations uncovered allegations that Davis even spent $19,000 for his girlfriend and misappropriated funds for his son’s tuition at UCLA.
Spingola faces four felony charges for allegedly assisting Davis with these unethical practices, while Davis herself is up against 17 felony and two misdemeanor charges related to mismanagement of public funds and conflicts of interest. Her attorney argues that she is innocent and was simply trying to address financial issues within the department.
Davis has maintained her not guilty pleas amid ongoing scrutiny and stresses her commitment to accountability. In terms of her retirement benefits, it’s stated that these could be revoked if she is found guilty of moral turpitude related to her employment. City pensions are usually secure, but there have been instances where former employees, like ex-Public Works Commissioner Harlan Kelly, lost their pensions after fraud convictions.
