Sherman Roberts, a real estate developer from Dallas, pleaded guilty to bribing two former city officials. He did this to get support for his apartment projects, according to federal authorities. Roberts, 70, used to be the president of City Wide Community Development Corporation. He admitted to paying bribes.The bribes were given to former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway. He also paid bribes to former City Council Member Carolyn Davis.
In return, Davis lobbied for Roberts’ projects, including Serenity Place, Runyon Springs, and Patriot’s Crossing. She pushed for low-income housing tax credits and voted to approve a $1.9 million loan for Serenity Place. Court records reveal Roberts texted Davis shortly after the vote, celebrating their financial gain. About a month later, Davis demanded more money, which Robert agreed to provide.
Roberts collaborated with Caraway to prevent any competing bids for development and secure the Patriot’s Crossing project for cash payments and a monthly stipend. In 2019, Caraway was convicted of conspiracy and tax evasion, receiving a prison sentence exceeding four years; Davis had already pleaded guilty to bribery but died before his own sentencing.
Roberts now faces up to five years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 2025. His case is part of a broader bribery scandal involving multiple developers, including Devin Hall and Russell Hamilton, both of whom also faced charges for similar schemes.
