Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is stepping down after agreeing this morning to plead guilty in a corruption case
The Justice Department made the announcement saying the Southern California politician will plead guilty to one count of accepting $550,000 in bribes while channeling $10 million in COVID funds to a charity.
That charity known as the Viet America Society is run by one of his daughters, Rhiannon Do.
“By putting his own interests over those of his constituents, the defendant sold his high office and betrayed the public’s trust,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada in a statement. “Even worse, the money he misappropriated and accepted as bribe payments was taken from those most in need – older adults and disabled residents. Our community deserved much better. Corruption has no place in our politics and my office will continue to hold accountable officials who cheat the public.”
The Justice Department says Do admitted to diverting some of that money into an escrow account used by his daughter to purchase a home. He also acknowledged the $383,000 his daughter used to purchase the home was a bribery to him.
“Mr. Do had a duty to act in the best interest of the citizens of Orange County. He neglected that duty and misused the financial system to enrich himself,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Office of Inspector General. “Public corruption degrades the public’s confidence in our political system, and FDIC OIG is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable individuals who abuse public service for private gain.”
According to ABC7 News, Do’s daughter has agreed to cooperate in the investigation. She will also forfeit her home and participate in a diversion program.
“Out of respect for the legal process, no statement is appropriate at this time,” Paul S. Meyer, attorney for Andrew Do, said in a statement to NBC Los Angeles. “However, it is appropriate to convey Andrew Do’s sincere apology and deep sadness to his family, to his constituents in District 1 and to his colleagues.”
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