Former Orange County Supervisor Faces Sentencing in Bribery Scandal

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A courtroom scene reflecting the tension and gravity of bribery allegations.

News Summary

Andrew Do, a former Orange County Supervisor, is set to be sentenced for accepting over $550,000 in bribes related to COVID-relief funds. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, misallocating funds meant for community support during the pandemic. The fallout has resulted in significant losses for the county, with prosecutors seeking a maximum prison sentence of 60 months. As the community grapples with the impact of his actions, new charges have emerged against associates involved in the scandal, further complicating the case.

Former Orange County Supervisor Set for Sentencing Over $550,000 Bribe Scandal

Santa Ana is bracing for an important court date on June 9, when former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do will face sentencing for his involvement in a shocking bribery scandal. Do is looking at serious time in federal prison after admitting to accepting over $550,000 in bribes related to COVID-relief funds.

The Bribery Case Unfolds

In a dramatic turn of events, Andrew Do has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. He acknowledged that he received sizable kickbacks to steer millions in federal COVID-relief funds toward specific nonprofit organizations. The 2020 global pandemic created immediate needs for communities, but unfortunately, some individuals took advantage of the situation.

During his tenure, Do directed contracts to organizations such as Viet America Society and Hand-to-Hand Relief Organization Inc. Over the course of these dealings, he funneled a hefty $9.3 million in COVID relief funds to Viet America Society. In a shocking twist, only $1.4 million of that money was actually used for its intended purpose—providing meals for the elderly and disabled.

Misallocation and Personal Benefits

The scandal deepens as it’s revealed that Do misallocated another $1 million that was earmarked for a Vietnam War memorial, which remains unfinished. In a particularly troubling twist, part of the bribes returned to him through his daughters. One daughter received a high-paying job, while the other was gifted $100,000 directly from the Viet America Society. Additionally, a $350,000 down payment was provided for a home in Tustin, valued at $1 million.

Prosecutors allege that the remaining funds from this scheme were funneled by Do’s co-conspirators into extravagant dinners, real estate, and other personal expenses. The fallout has been devastating, especially for vulnerable communities that relied on these funds during a public health crisis.

Legal Repercussions Ahead

The case is now in the hands of Judge James Selna in a federal court in Santa Ana, where federal prosecutors are pushing for the maximum sentence of 60 months in prison. On the other side, Do’s defense team is requesting a lighter sentence of 33 months, arguing that he was unaware of the bribery occurring around him.

In a heartfelt letter to the court, Do expressed remorse and acknowledged that his poor decision-making has cost him dearly—both in terms of his career and personal reputation. He claims ignorance about the true nature of his actions, suggesting he was simply trying to help his daughters.

The Impact on the Community

The repercussions of Do’s actions have been significant. The Orange County Board of Supervisors submitted a victim impact statement, advocating for the maximum sentence to ensure accountability and pushing for restitution to be paid back to the county. They argue that Do’s actions have cost the county a staggering $10 million, of which some will eventually be reimbursed.

As if the scandal wasn’t enough, recent developments have unveiled more complexities. New charges have emerged against Peter Pham, the founder of Viet America Society, and Thanh Huong Nguyen, associated with Hand-to-Hand Relief Organization. Pham has been slapped with 15 new federal charges, including fraud and bribery, and is currently considered a fugitive after allegedly leaving the country.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

As the court date approaches, the story of Andrew Do serves as a stark reminder of how easily the wheels of justice can turn—especially when greed and exploitation come into play during times of crisis. The community awaits to see if the sentencing reflects the significant harm done, both in terms of lost money and lost trust.

At the end of the day, lives have been altered, and for many, the damage done may be irreversible. With the stakes at an all-time high, it appears that the shadows of this scandal will linger long after the courtroom drama has ended.