Desiree Peterkin Bell, a former senior official in Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter’s administration, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from her use of public and nonprofit funds while serving as Philadelphia’s city representative.
The case involved personal expenses charged to credit cards associated with the Mayor’s Fund for Philadelphia as well as financial transactions involving money designated for city events.
Personal Expenses Charged to Mayor’s Fund
Peterkin Bell served as Philadelphia’s city representative and was a board member of two city-affiliated nonprofit organizations, the Mayor’s Fund for Philadelphia and Welcome America, Inc.
According to prosecutors, between 2013 and 2015, Peterkin Bell used two Mayor’s Fund credit cards for more than $19,000 in personal expenses. The transactions included approximately 300 Uber rides and other expenditures that authorities determined were not legitimate city expenses.
As part of the resolution of the case, Peterkin Bell agreed to repay nearly $20,000 associated with the personal expenditures.
City Event Funding
The case also concerned approximately $225,000 in transactions involving funding for major Philadelphia events.
Prosecutors alleged that money designated for the 2015 International Cycling Classic was used to address outstanding financial obligations associated with Philadelphia’s hosting of the Forbes 30 Under 30 event.
Authorities alleged that the transaction was structured as a sponsorship rather than reflecting its actual purpose. Prosecutors also identified a similar arrangement involving the movement of money between the Mayor’s Fund and Welcome America.
Guilty Plea and Reduced Charges
Peterkin Bell was originally charged with several felony offenses. The case was ultimately resolved through a plea agreement under which those charges were reduced to seven misdemeanors.
She pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for the conduct covered by the agreement.
The resolution allowed Peterkin Bell to avoid a prison sentence.
Sentence and Restitution
Peterkin Bell was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest followed by one year of probation.
The terms of her sentence permitted her to leave home for certain family and religious responsibilities. She was also required to repay nearly $20,000 for the personal expenses associated with the Mayor’s Fund credit cards.
The plea agreement and sentence concluded the criminal case without Peterkin Bell serving time in prison.
Desiree Peterkin Bell’s Professional Background
Separate from the criminal case, Peterkin Bell has built a career in public affairs, communications, political strategy and consulting.
She is associated with DPBell & Associates, a consulting firm providing services that include brand development and positioning, crisis communications, strategic and political counsel, media training, strategic partnerships, content development and event strategy.
Her work following her Philadelphia government service has included projects in the United States and internationally. Peterkin Bell and her team participated in strategy surrounding the passage of Virginia legislation restricting the use of no-knock warrants, commonly known as Breonna’s Law.
She has also worked extensively on projects involving Africa, including communications, marketing and brand strategy for The Mic Africa, a music competition and documentary series highlighting African music, arts and culture.
Her other communications work has included involvement with the Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc initiative launched in connection with hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.
Education and Public Service
Peterkin Bell graduated from Swarthmore College, where she studied Political Science and Education. She received recognition for community service and academic achievement and later received a National Urban Fellows scholarship toward a master’s degree in public administration.
Her professional career has included government service, political and strategic communications, public affairs and consulting. She has also emphasized mentorship and professional development, particularly for younger women entering leadership and public-service roles.
Today, Peterkin Bell continues her work through DPBell & Associates, advising organizations and initiatives on communications, branding, public affairs and strategic issues.
The Philadelphia case remains a separate part of her public record. It concluded with her guilty plea to seven misdemeanor charges, 90 days of house arrest, one year of probation and an obligation to repay nearly $20,000 in personal expenses.
Source: https://whyy.org/articles/former-nutter-cabinet-member-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-city-funds/
https://6abc.com/post/aide-to-fmr-philly-mayor-accused-of-stealing-$20k-from-city/4681081