News Summary
In Orange County, Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Doug Chaffee are urging federal prosecutors to impose a harsher sentence on former Supervisor Andrew Do. Citing inequalities in the justice system, they believe Do’s plea deal of five years is unduly lenient compared to harsher penalties in similar corruption cases. Do, who pled guilty to felony bribery conspiracy, misused public funds for personal gain, affecting vulnerable communities. As preparations for his sentencing on June 9 are underway, Nguyen and Chaffee are calling for accountability not just for Do but for others involved in corruption.
Orange County Supervisors Push for Tougher Sentence on Ex-Supervisor Andrew Do
Orange County is buzzing with conversations as two county supervisors, Janet Nguyen and Doug Chaffee, make a *strong plea* aimed at federal prosecutors. They are calling for a longer prison sentence for former Supervisor Andrew Do, emphasizing that he received *preferential treatment* in the legal system.
Do’s plea deal currently caps his potential prison time at five years, a duration that Nguyen and Chaffee believe reflects a *discrepancy in justice*. They argue that *other prominent corruption cases* have seen far harsher penalties, drawing a stark comparison to the 16-year sentence given to former Lynwood Mayor Paul Richards, who faced punishment for directing city contracts to his own company. The supervisors are keen to spotlight this inequality, suggesting Do’s single criminal charge does not capture the *full extent of his corrupt activities* during his time as an elected official.
Andrew Do’s Controversial Plea Deal
Scheduled for sentencing on June 9, Andrew Do pleaded guilty to felony bribery conspiracy after he was found to be directing millions in taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit organization where his daughter, Rhiannon Do, held crucial positions. This plea deal emerged after a federal investigation sparked by an in-depth examination of Do’s misuse of public funds. The inquiry, initiated by a local media outlet, unveiled glaring discrepancies that put a spotlight on Do’s actions and their harmful impact on the community.
Following their revelations, Nguyen and Chaffee are taking it a step further by urging the Justice Department to speed up its investigations into other individuals who may be involved in similar corruption schemes connected to Andrew Do. They are ready to vote on sending a formal letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, stressing the urgency of holding those complicit accountable for their actions.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
With growing concerns about the lack of prosecutions against others implicated in the scheme, the supervisors are questioning the *integrity of the justice system*. They emphasize that Do’s actions have had a direct negative impact on vulnerable communities that were reliant on emergency relief funds during the pandemic. In their view, justice should not only be served to individuals seized in corruption narratives but must also reflect a broader commitment to holding all offenders equally accountable.
On the other side of the table, Do’s attorney has dismissed the supervisors’ approach as a *political maneuver* aimed at pressuring the justice system. As Do’s sentencing approaches, federal Judge James Selna, who is overseeing the case, has indicated that he is not tied to the plea agreement and will independently decide the punishment based on the merits of the case.
A Glimpse Into Do’s Past
Notably, Andrew Do previously served as Janet Nguyen’s chief of staff before their disagreement more than a decade ago, which eventually led to him winning the supervisor seat she would later fill. Interestingly, Do resigned two months early as part of his plea agreement while ongoing reviews of his projects continued among various county entities, including CalOptima, which provides health insurance for low-income residents.
Now, Bill Essayli has stepped in as the interim leader for the regional U.S. Attorney’s Office, taking charge of the prosecution against Do. There are ongoing investigations regarding allegations of fraud linked to Do, potentially involving millions meant for charitable efforts that ultimately benefited his family.
Concerns continue to arise over possible undisclosed partnerships with Peter Pham, who received COVID-related funds through a front organization but fell short on delivering the promised services. Meanwhile, Orange County has initiated a lawsuit against Do and his co-conspirators in an effort to recover diverted funds resulting from his alleged corrupt actions.
In a surprising twist, Janet Nguyen has publicly criticized the existing plea agreement, suggesting that it contains *loopholes* that seem to favor political figures rather than everyday citizens facing similar charges. This has certainly stirred the pot, igniting a larger conversation about *justice and equality* within the legal landscape of Orange County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County Supervisor Guilty in COVID Relief Fund Scandal
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Nguyen on Andrew Do’s Sentence
- LAist: Call for Audit on Do’s Contracts
- Spectrum News: Nguyen Criticizes Do’s Spending
- LAist: Supervisors Demand Longer Sentence for Do
- OC Register: Supervisors Request DOJ Review on Do’s Sentence
- Google Search: Andrew Do corruption
- Wikipedia: Political corruption
- Google Scholar: Andrew Do corruption
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bribery
- Google News: Corruption cases
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.
