Why This Case Matters
The charges highlight ongoing concerns about financial transparency within activist organizations that raised unprecedented amounts of money during the 2020 protest movement.
Federal prosecutors have charged Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, 52, the Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma (BLMOKC) since at least 2016, with dozens of felony counts, alleging she embezzled millions in charitable donations intended for bail funds and social justice initiatives.
The U.S. Department of Justice says each wire fraud count carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, while each money laundering charge carries up to 10 years, along with fines up to $250,000 or twice the amount involved. These charges are allegations only; Dickerson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Millions Allegedly Diverted for Personal Use
According to the indictment, beginning in June 2020 and continuing through at least October 2025, Dickerson embezzled funds from BLMOKC accounts for her personal benefit. Prosecutors allege she deposited at least $3.15 million in returned bail checks into her personal accounts instead of returning the funds to the organization.
The money was allegedly used to finance an extravagant personal lifestyle, including:
- Recreational travel to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for herself and associates
- Tens of thousands of dollars in retail shopping
- At least $50,000 in food and grocery deliveries for herself and her children
- A personal vehicle registered in her name
- Six real estate properties in Oklahoma City, purchased either in her name or through Equity International LLC, a shell company she controlled
Donations Raised During 2020 Protests
BLMOKC raised more than $5.6 million in 2020 to support social justice efforts, including bail funds for individuals arrested in connection with protests following George Floyd’s death. Much of the funding came from national bail organizations, including the Community Justice Exchange, Massachusetts Bail Fund, and Minnesota Freedom Fund.
Some of these bail funds allowed BLMOKC to retain returned bail checks to establish a revolving bail fund or to support its social justice mission. However, the indictment alleges that Dickerson diverted significant portions of these funds for her personal enrichment.
False Reports and Concealed Spending
Although BLMOKC was not registered as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, it operated under the fiscal sponsorship of the Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), an Arizona-based nonprofit. AFGJ required BLMOKC to use funds solely for charitable purposes and to fully account for all disbursements, prohibiting purchases of real estate without consent.
Federal prosecutors allege that Dickerson submitted two false annual reports to AFGJ, claiming that BLMOKC funds were used only for tax-exempt purposes, without disclosing her personal use.
Luxury Purchases and Shell Company Allegations
The indictment also alleges that Dickerson used Equity International LLC, a shell company she controlled, to obscure ownership of multiple real estate properties purchased with donated funds. Additional alleged expenditures include personal vehicles, designer goods, recreational travel, and extensive retail purchases unrelated to BLMOKC operations.
One of the Largest BLM-Related Fraud Cases
This case represents one of the most significant fraud prosecutions tied to a BLM affiliate since the 2020 protest movement, which raised hundreds of millions of dollars nationwide.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester stated that the indictment reflects a commitment to holding individuals accountable for exploiting public trust, regardless of political affiliation or position.
What Happens Next
If convicted on all counts, Dickerson faces decades in federal prison. The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Dillon and Jessica L. Perry.
The public is reminded that these are allegations, and Dickerson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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