Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
Howard Solomon, a 38-year-old resident of Oakland, faces charges of mail fraud and tax evasion related to his former role as executive director of the East Oakland Boxing Association. This non-profit organization offers various services, including boxing lessons, to children in East Oakland. Solomon appeared in federal district court in Oakland following these allegations.
The criminal information filed on February 26, 2025, outlines that Solomon served as the executive director from around 2017 until April 2021. His duties included managing operations, fundraising, overseeing finances, and community outreach. He had significant access to the organization's bank accounts and debit cards.
Solomon is accused of embezzling funds for personal expenses such as Amazon purchases, a vacation rental property, and a Ford Explorer. Additionally, he allegedly deposited a $50,000 donation into his personal account. This donation was linked to an appearance by Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry on "Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways," where they presented gifts and a check to the non-profit.
Further charges claim Solomon owed more federal income tax than reported on his returns for 2018 through 2021 and filed false returns during those years.
Solomon faces one count of mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and four counts of tax evasion under 26 U.S.C. § 7201. At his initial court appearance, he waived indictment by a grand jury. His next court date is set for April 9, 2025.
A criminal information indicates alleged crimes but does not confirm guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. If convicted, Solomon could face up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud with substantial fines and additional penalties for tax evasion.
The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Linda Nguyen from the Oakland Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Green is handling the prosecution with assistance from Amala James following an IRS-CI investigation.
