News Summary
Orange County has filed a lawsuit against the Viet America Society for allegedly misusing over $13 million in COVID-19 relief funds intended for nutritional meal services for elderly and disabled residents. The lawsuit, which refers to actions as ‘brazen plunder,’ also highlights connections to county officials and raises concerns about transparency. In addition to the financial mismanagement, the nonprofit has failed to complete a Vietnam War memorial project, prompting calls for investigation and legislative change. The court proceedings will continue in January 2025.
Orange County Takes Action Against Viet America Society for Alleged Misconduct
Orange County finds itself at the center of a legal storm as the county has launched a lawsuit against the Huntington Beach nonprofit known as the Viet America Society (VAS) over serious allegations of misusing COVID-19 relief funds. The lawsuit, which is sending shockwaves through the community, claims that this organization failed to properly allocate over $13 million meant for nutritional meal services to help elderly and disabled residents throughout the pandemic.
Alarming Accusations
The county’s lawsuit seeks to recover the funds that were “brazenly plundered” for personal gain by VAS and its associates between 2020 and 2023. Among those named in the lawsuit is Rhiannon Do, who happens to be the daughter of county Supervisor Andrew Do. The connection raises eyebrows as this case unfolds.
The lawsuit goes on to allege that VAS used COVID-19 relief funds not for feeding the vulnerable but instead to purchase a home in Tustin along with five additional properties across various cities including Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Buena Park. The severity of this claim paints a troubling picture of how funds intended for health and welfare were diverted.
Embezzlement Concerns
In a shocking twist, the suit describes these actions as part of a larger conspiracy to embezzle relief funds through contracts that VAS never genuinely intended to fulfill. The county accuses the nonprofit of doing more than just poorly managing money—they claim there was a pattern of pervasive self-dealing where both federal and local funds were converted into cash via questionable transactions. It raises important questions about where our taxpayer dollars went and who holds the responsibility.
Missed Deadlines & Fallout
In filing this lawsuit, the county indicates that VAS has failed to meet crucial deadlines for providing an account of the taxpayer dollars received, causing significant concern among county officials. Field Supervisor Doug Chaffee expressed his disappointment, pointing out that the county is now grappling with the fallout from these allegedly inappropriate actions by VAS.
Incomplete Projects
Another layer of this troubling story is the allegation that VAS has not completed a significant project—a Vietnam War memorial—despite having received $1 million from the county for this purpose. It’s hard not to wonder, what happened to these vital funds that were meant to pay homage to our veterans?
Legal Ramifications
The lawsuit, which has been filed in Orange County Superior Court, brings multiple counts against VAS, including breach of contract and unfair business practices. The accusations have triggered calls for investigations into VAS from various county officials, prompting further scrutiny into their funding practices and accountability.
A Defense and Controversy
In response, VAS’s attorney has pushed back, stating that all meals contracted were indeed paid for and delivered while also hinting at the financial struggles endured by the organization due to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. He defended his client against the portrayal of misconduct, asserting that any issues stem from miscommunication with county officials.
Rhiannon Do has firmly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that she is not an officer of the organization, although critics of her father’s decision to funnel funds to VAS raised eyebrows, suggesting lack of transparency, especially given their family ties.
Looking Forward
Meanwhile, county supervisors are advocating for changes in legislation to tackle conflicts of interest and heighten transparency when it comes to nonprofit funding. Given the gravity of this situation and the significant amount of money involved, the taxpayers of Orange County will be watching closely as this drama unfolds.
The court is set to convene on January 28, 2025, for a conference regarding this complex case, and as it reaches the public, the community hopes that justice will prevail and that this will be a learning moment for how pandemic funds should be managed in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County Lawsuit Reveals COVID-19 Fund Misuse
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do’s Bribery Admission Shocks Community
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Orange County Sues Huntington Beach Nonprofit
- LAist: OC Sues Nonprofit for Plundering Public Money
- Orange County Register: Giving Machines Support Charities
- Google Search: COVID-19 Relief Funds
- Los Angeles Times: OC Sues Nonprofit and Supervisor’s Daughter
