Former Mayor’s Confidant Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Fraud, Accused of Campaign Scheme
William F. Dunbar Sr., a former confidant to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud. Court documents also show he attempted to defraud Mayor Parker's campaign, People for Parker, out of rent money by falsifying lease…
Philadelphia, PA, September 1, 2026 —
William F. Dunbar Sr., who was once a confidant to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, has pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud, according to court documents. The plea was entered as part of a legal process addressing his financial dealings.
In addition to the tax fraud charge, court documents reveal that Dunbar Sr. is accused of attempting to defraud Mayor Parker’s campaign committee, known as People for Parker. The alleged scheme involved falsifying lease terms in an effort to obtain rent money from the campaign.
While the court documents indicate that Dunbar Sr. did not ultimately receive any funds through this alleged scheme, the attempt is reportedly being considered in the determination of his sentencing.
Further details regarding the specific dates of the alleged fraudulent activities, the exact nature of the tax fraud, and the precise terms of the falsified lease agreements were not immediately available in the provided information. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The timeline for sentencing was not provided.
The case highlights a legal proceeding involving a figure previously associated with the city’s leadership. The investigation and subsequent plea agreement are expected to proceed through the judicial system.
Story summarized from the original created by Sean Walsh, Anna Orso on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
