BLM Hit With Fraud Charges
Federal prosecutors have brought sweeping charges against a former Black Lives Matter leader in Oklahoma City, accusing her of misusing millions of dollars in donations intended for charitable purposes.
Federal court records show that a grand jury has returned an indictment against 52-year-old Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, the prior director of BLM Oklahoma City, on numerous felony charges connected to an alleged financial operation.
U.S. Attorney Robert Troester confirmed that Dickerson faces 25 criminal charges, including twenty counts of fraud and five counts of money laundering, stemming from the alleged diversion of more than $3 million.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Misuse of Donor Funds
Federal investigators allege Dickerson used her leadership position to gain control over the organization’s financial accounts, including bank, PayPal, and Cash App accounts. Prosecutors say she then redirected donor money for personal expenses rather than approved charitable uses.
Court filings note that Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City was not registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit, but operated under a fiscal sponsorship agreement with the Alliance for Global Justice, an Arizona-based organization. That arrangement required strict oversight and documentation to ensure donations were used solely for lawful charitable activities.
Millions Raised After 2020 Protests
Beginning in late spring 2020, prosecutors say the organization raised more than $5.6 million through online fundraising and national bail funds. Contributors reportedly included the Community Justice Exchange, the Massachusetts Bail Fund, and the Minnesota Freedom Fund.
The funds were intended to help post bail for individuals arrested during protests following the death of George Floyd, as well as to support related social justice initiatives permitted under federal tax law.
Alleged Personal Spending and Property Purchases
Instead, prosecutors allege that from June 2020 through at least October 2025, Dickerson deposited approximately $3.15 million in returned bail funds into her personal accounts rather than organizational accounts.
According to the indictment, the money was allegedly used for:
- International travel to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic
- Extensive retail shopping
- Tens of thousands of dollars in food and grocery deliveries
- The purchase of a personal vehicle
- The acquisition of six real estate properties in Oklahoma City
Those properties were reportedly titled either in Dickerson’s name or under Equity International LLC, a company prosecutors say she exclusively controlled.
False Reporting Allegations
Federal prosecutors further claim that Dickerson filed inaccurate annual financial statements with the Alliance for Global Justice through interstate communications, asserting that all funds were spent on tax-exempt activities while omitting personal expenses.
Potential Prison Time
If found guilty, Dickerson faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years for each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years for each money laundering charge, in addition to possible financial penalties.
The case highlights growing concerns about financial oversight, donor accountability, and transparency within high-profile activist organizations.
