News Summary
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge involving approximately $10 million in COVID relief funds mistakenly allocated to a nonprofit associated with his family. Following his plea, Do resigned from his position and faces up to five years in prison. The Orange County Board of Supervisors has sent a victim impact statement to the judge, emphasizing the breach of public trust and seeking restitution. The scandal, which involves significant misappropriations and ongoing federal investigations, raises concerns about corruption and accountability in public office.
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme Involving COVID Relief Funds
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge connected to the misappropriation of approximately $10 million in COVID relief funds. The funds were intended for vulnerable seniors but were directed instead to a nonprofit organization where Do’s daughter held a prominent position. Following his guilty plea, Do has resigned from his role as county supervisor and has an upcoming sentencing hearing scheduled for June, where he faces a maximum of five years in prison.
In response to Do’s convictions, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to send a victim impact statement to the judge overseeing his federal case. This statement outlines the consequences of Do’s criminal actions, including a call for restitution to the county for losses that total more than $11 million. The supervisors are advocating for both compensation and the maximum allowable prison sentence in light of the severe breach of public trust.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen expressed the community’s outrage over Do’s actions and emphasized the calls from constituents for an official apology. The impact statement has evolved throughout the proceedings, with revisions explicitly naming a reporter who previously questioned Do’s decisions in an effort to highlight the corruption and intimidation that permeated Do’s conduct during his tenure.
Bribery Details
Andrew Do was reported to have accepted over $550,000 in bribes in exchange for favorable votes affecting the Board of Supervisors. The funds, which were allocated to the Viet America Society, a nonprofit organization, were improperly used to acquire real estate and meet Do’s personal expenses, including paying off credit card debts. Of the federal relief funds designated for the Viet America Society, federal authorities confirmed that only about 15% of that money was utilized for its intended purpose of providing meals to seniors.
Federal investigative measures, which included raids conducted by the FBI, began following an in-depth investigation into the contracts secured by the nonprofit linked to Andrew Do’s family. Further complicating the case, Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do, has agreed to cooperate with investigators, and she will enter a diversion program while forfeiting her home purchased with misappropriated funds.
Ongoing Legal Actions
The fallout from this bribery scandal continues to unfold as federal investigators have seized approximately $2.4 million in assets related to the case. In addition, the county has initiated a civil lawsuit against the Viet America Society in a bid to recover the misused public funds. This ongoing investigation reflects a broader concern regarding corruption in public office and the exploitation of resources that were meant to assist vulnerable populations during the ongoing pandemic.
The impact of Andrew Do’s actions has caused significant damage to public trust in local government, with fellow supervisors expressing their outrage and emphasizing the necessity for accountability and integrity in public service. As the legal proceedings unfold, community leaders and citizens alike continue to call for transparency and justice, ensuring that such abuses of power do not recur in future governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County Board Challenges Plea Deal of Andrew Do
Orange County Supervisors Advocate for Stricter Sentence for Andrew Do
Orange County Supervisor Guilty in COVID Relief Fund Scandal
Additional Resources
- LAist
- Los Angeles Times
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bribery
- Google Search: Andrew Do bribery case
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
