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