Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
Howard Solomon, a former executive director of the East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA), pleaded guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion charges. This case revolves around Solomon embezzling at least $549,000 from the non-profit organization, which serves low-income youth in East Oakland.
Solomon, 38, admitted to the embezzlement scheme while serving as EOBA's executive director from 2016 until 2021. As per court documents, he transferred funds from EOBA's Wells Fargo accounts to others he controlled, without informing anyone at EOBA. Solomon also deposited donations intended for EOBA into his personal accounts, including a $50,000 donation connected to Stephen and Ayesha Curry's appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The embezzled funds were used for Solomon's personal expenses, such as vacations, a Ford Explorer, and personal purchases on Amazon. Additionally, Solomon failed to report the embezzled money as income on his tax filings and misstated expenses for alleged businesses, causing a tax loss of approximately $287,185 to the IRS.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and IRS-CI Special Agent Linda Nguyen announced Solomon's guilty plea. His sentencing is set for August 14, 2025, with U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers presiding. Solomon faces a possible 20-year prison term, fines, and restitution of at least $549,132 to EOBA and $287,185 to the IRS.
The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. Green, supported by Amala James and Alycee Lane, following an IRS-CI investigation.
