The former leader of a homeless charity in San Francisco has been charged with misappropriating funds intended to support local residents facing homelessness for her own extravagant lifestyle, which included a luxury vehicle and an abundance of jewelry.
Gwendolyn Westbrook, who was the CEO of the United Council of Human Services, is accused of embezzling more than $1.2 million in public funds, despite her organization receiving tens of millions in government grants over the last two decades.
According to prosecutors, the 71-year-old allegedly misappropriated these funds through cash withdrawals, payments made to herself, and inappropriate reimbursements for personal expenses.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated that Westbrook took $91,000 directly from the charity and indicated that there are additional funds that have not been accounted for.
“Gwendolyn Westbrook enriched herself and misused millions meant to aid her community,” commented San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, who led the investigation into Westbrook’s actions.
Westbrook’s nonprofit organization, which was meant to provide aid for homeless people by managing RV sites and shelters, was portrayed as a means to help those struggling to improve their circumstances.
Past litigation against Westbrook’s organization claimed she maintained a lifestyle that did not align with her reported income of $155,000, while turning a blind eye to instances of drug use and prostitution at the facility.
Reports suggest that Westbrook boasted to her staff about purchasing high-end vehicles like a Tesla, Jeep Renegade, and Infiniti SUVs for herself and her friends, and was known to drive with “expensive jewelry stuffed in the trunk.”
She also reportedly covered expenses like weddings and fertility treatments for her family, according to previous claims made in court.
Westbrook faces nine felony charges, including misappropriation of public funds, grand theft, and filing a false tax return.
