San Francisco District Attorney Alleges Former Charity Boss Gwendolyn Westbrook Stole Funds from Homeless Charity to Finance Expensive Vehicles Jewelry and Family Celebrations

San Francisco is grappling with shock and disbelief after prosecutors revealed that Gwendolyn Westbrook, the former CEO of the United Council of Human Services (UCHS), allegedly funneled over $1.2 million from a charity dedicated to helping the homeless into her own pockets.

Instead of serving the city’s most vulnerable, authorities claim Westbrook spent money on luxury cars, high-end jewelry, and expensive family expenses.

Allegations of Theft and Fraud

Westbrook, 71, faces a staggering array of charges, including grand theft, misappropriation of public funds, and filing false tax returns spanning four years.

UCHS, the nonprofit she ran for nearly two decades, received millions in government grants during that time.

Prosecutors allege she misused funds from 2019 to 2023, siphoning $91,000 directly from the organization, while additional sums remain unaccounted for.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed outrage over the allegations, noting that taxpayers’ dollars meant for people living on the streets were allegedly diverted for Westbrook’s personal gain.

“You’re talking about millions of dollars being lost to that effort, our taxpayer dollars, while every day we sit and deal with people who are still struggling on our streets,” Jenkins said.

Extravagant Lifestyle Beyond a CEO’s Salary

Despite a reported annual salary of $155,000, Westbrook allegedly led a lifestyle far beyond her means.

Court documents detail that she flaunted her wealth, including purchasing a Tesla for herself, a Jeep Renegade for a close friend, and vehicles for relatives.

She reportedly told family members she drove around with “a trunk full of high-priced jewelry.”

Additional misuse allegedly extended to paying for family weddings and in vitro fertilization procedures for a relative.

Former UCHS employees had already raised red flags in a 2023 lawsuit, claiming Westbrook’s spending habits were inconsistent with her reported income.

These warnings now appear eerily prescient given the charges prosecutors have filed.

Past Controversies and Pattern of Misconduct

This is not the first time Westbrook has been linked to financial impropriety.

In 1997, she was accused of stealing thousands from a cash box at a parking lot she managed for the San Francisco Port.

In 2015, regulators discovered unapproved blackjack tables at a charity bingo event held by the nonprofit.

These past incidents suggest a troubling pattern of behavior that, according to authorities, escalated during her tenure at UCHS.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation into UCHS’s finances began in earnest in 2022 after an audit by city controller Ben Rosenfield flagged irregularities.

Rosenfield and City Attorney David Chiu referred the case to the FBI and the District Attorney’s office, which launched a full-scale criminal probe.

Court records show that over 20 search warrants were executed and financial documents scrutinized before the nine-count indictment was issued.

Westbrook was booked into jail on February 20 and subsequently released on bail.

Although she was scheduled for arraignment on February 27, the judge postponed it to March 9 at her request.

Authorities are preparing for a trial that could bring accountability for the alleged misuse of millions of dollars intended to serve San Francisco’s homeless population.

What’s Next?

The next steps involve Westbrook’s March 9 arraignment, where she will formally respond to the charges.

The legal process could span months, including pre-trial motions, potential plea negotiations, and eventually a trial.

Prosecutors will likely continue combing through financial records to document the full extent of the alleged theft, while the nonprofit’s operations may face restructuring or oversight to prevent future abuse.

Summary

Gwendolyn Westbrook, the former CEO of San Francisco’s UCHS, stands accused of embezzling over $1.2 million from funds meant to help the homeless, using the money for luxury cars, jewelry, family events, and other lavish expenses.

Past incidents and prior warnings suggest a long history of financial misconduct.

With her arraignment now set for March 9, the city and prosecutors are preparing for a thorough legal battle that could finally bring clarity and accountability to a nonprofit meant to serve the most vulnerable.