The former director of a non-profit organization supporting the homeless in San Francisco has been indicted on 9 criminal counts, including embezzlement, grand theft, and false tax filings, after allegedly misappropriating over $1.2 million in public funds.
Gwendolyn Westbrook, 71, former CEO of the United Council of Human Services, is accused of using public funds—originally earmarked for homelessness prevention programs—to finance her lavish personal lifestyle.
Key Allegations
According to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Westbrook:
- Directly took approximately $91,000 from the organization's funds
- Made cash withdrawals, paid herself, and reimbursed for improper expenses
- Left a portion of the funds "unaccounted for"
City Attorney David Chiu stated that the defendant "enriched herself from public funding intended for the community."
The organization Westbrook operated previously managed RV parking lots and temporary shelters for the homeless, promoted as a "recovery support" model.
Allegedly Lavish Lifestyle
A previous civil lawsuit alleged Westbrook maintained a lifestyle "inconsistent" with her reported salary of approximately $155,000 per year. According to legal records:
- She boasted about purchasing a Tesla, a Jeep Renegade, and an Infiniti SUV for herself and acquaintances
- Often drove with a "trunk full of high-value jewelry"
- Used funds for weddings, infertility treatments, and family expenses
The incident unfolds as San Francisco faces significant criticism regarding its management of the homeless budget—an area that has received tens of millions of dollars in public funding over the past two decades.
Westbrook now faces criminal prosecution. If convicted, she could face imprisonment under California state law.
