Orange County Supervisor Guilty in COVID Relief Fund Scandal

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The community stands outside the government building, demanding accountability in response to the COVID relief fund scandal.

News Summary

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has stepped down after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in a scandal involving COVID-19 relief funds. Do accepted over $550,000 in bribes to direct more than $10 million intended for a nonprofit, leading to public outrage and calls for investigations into broader corruption. With potential prison time looming, this incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of local governance and accountability for public officials.

Orange County Supervisor Pleads Guilty in COVID-19 Relief Fund Scandal

In a shocking turn of events, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, aged 62, has decided to step down from his position after pleading guilty to a serious charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. This announcement, made during a federal press conference in Santa Ana on April 8, 2025, has sent ripples through the community and raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.

How the Scheme Unfolded

Do’s trouble began when it was discovered that he had accepted over $550,000 in bribes to steer more than $10 million in COVID relief funds towards a nonprofit organization called Viet America Society. Unfortunately, only about 15% of those federal funds, roughly $1.4 million, were actually utilized to provide meals for the county’s vulnerable elderly and disabled citizens. The rest was allegedly misappropriated, raising concerns that the funds were part of a scheme designed to benefit Do and his family.

Among his family members involved was his daughter, Rhiannon Do, who was also linked to the Viet America Society, leading to questions about potential conflicts of interest. This prompted the U.S. Attorney’s Office to describe the situation as something akin to a “Robin Hood in reverse”, where the intended beneficiaries – those in need – were essentially left empty-handed.

Political Fallout and Community Reaction

The gravity of the situation has sparked outrage among Do’s fellow supervisors. Concerns have been voiced regarding the apparent corruption and favoritism displayed in the plea agreement offered to Do. The community, too, has expressed disappointment in a system meant to uphold integrity and protect taxpayer dollars.

Federal prosecutors are not letting Do off easy. He could be facing up to five years in prison, with his sentencing date slated for June 2025. Additionally, his plea agreement mandates that he forfeit any pension credits and properties linked to his nefarious activities.

Legal Ramifications and Further Investigations

The spotlight on Do has also illuminated the Viet America Society, which is now embroiled in lawsuits initiated by the county of Orange aimed at recovering taxpayer funds that were misused. Investigations have shown that significant public funds were siphoned off to cover personal expenses and real estate transactions directly benefiting Do and his family.

Rhiannon Do has not escaped scrutiny either. She has entered an agreement with prosecutors and will serve three years of probation, in addition to collaborating with ongoing investigations. Her involvement raises further questions about the extent of the corruption and the potential for systemic issues within the organization.

Calls for Broader Accountability

This catastrophic scandal has ignited discussions about the need for a larger investigation into other individuals who may have participated in the corruption scheme. Supervisors such as Doug Chaffee and Janet Nguyen have voiced their concerns about the handling of such cases by the Department of Justice and the need for rigorous scrutiny of public officials engaged in similar misconduct.

The fallout from Andrew Do’s actions has not only marred his political career but has also cast a long shadow over the integrity of Orange County politics. As the dust begins to settle, community members are eagerly tuned in, awaiting justice and hoping for a more transparent governance in the future.