The FBI raided a Tustin home owned by Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do and his wife, Cheri Pam in Southern California. Their daughter Rhiannon Do is accused of misusing millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds through a nonprofit.
The Orange County government sued Do, 23, and the nonprofit she works for, Viet America Society, last week to recover more than $13 million.
According to LAist, a spokesperson for the IRS Criminal Investigation confirmed that they’re working with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office. The lawsuit claims Rhiannon Do and Viet America Society President Peter Pham, among others, purchased six properties using COVID-19 relief funds intended to feed the hungry and build a Vietnam War Memorial.
“The affidavit in support of the search warrant is under seal, and so we’re prohibited from commenting as to the nature of the case. No arrests planned,” Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the FBI, said to the LAist.
Voice of O.C. has said county officials question how the money was spent – citing questionable invoicing.
“VAS (Viet Society of America) did not merely refuse to provide supporting documentation or simply fail to perform under the Contracts. Rather, the County is informed and believes and thereon alleges that VAS surreptitiously transferred the funds to the other named Defendants for their collective enrichment,” said the lawsuit.
“That is about as egregious as you can get with misusing public funds,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento in a statement last week to Voice of O.C. “If the claims alleged in the complaints are true, Supervisor Do should consider stepping down. County residents deserve answers.”
Supervisor Do or Rhiannon Do has not made any comments on the lawsuit.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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