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The former head of a San Francisco homeless charity has been charged with stealing money intended to help struggling locals avoid homelessness — to fund a “lavish” lifestyle that included luxury cars and trunks full of jewelry.
Gwendolyn Westbrook, who was CEO of United Council of Human Services, allegedly grifted more than $1.2 million in public funds — after the organization received tens of millions in government grants over the past 20 years.
Prosecutors allege the 71-year-old nonprofit boss skimmed funds through cash withdrawals, payments to herself and improper reimbursements for her personal use.
She directly stole $91,000 from the organization and additional funds once held by the charity are “unaccounted for,” according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
“Gwendolyn Westbrook enriched herself and misappropriated millions of dollars in public funding meant to benefit the community,” David Chiu, San Francisco city attorney who investigated Westbrook’s activities, said in a statement.
Westbrook’s nonprofit managed RV sites and shelters for homeless people, which were billed as “supportive” to help needy people get back on their feet.
A prior lawsuit against United Council of Human Services alleged that Westbrook was “living a lifestyle inconsistent with her reported salary” or $155,000 — all while ignoring prostitution and drug use inside her facilities.
She allegedly bragged to staff that she’d purchased a Tesla, a Jeep Renegade and an Infiniti SUV for herself and friends — and was known to drive around with a “trunk full of high-priced jewelry,” according to the San Francisco Standard.
Westbrook paid for family members’ weddings, fertility treatments and other expenses, according to a legal complaint.
Westbrook is charged with nine felony charges that include misappropriation of public funds, grand theft, and filing false tax returns.
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