Former Orange County Supervisor Sentenced in Bribery Case

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A courtroom where significant legal proceedings take place.

News Summary

Andrew Do, the former Orange County Supervisor, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his involvement in a bribery scandal linked to COVID-19 relief funds. Allegations revealed that he received over $550,000 in bribes while directing more than $10 million in county contracts to a nonprofit associated with his daughter. The case highlights a serious breach of public trust during a crucial period when leadership was essential for community support.

Orange County Supervisor Sentenced for Bribery Scandal

In the sunny city of Orange County, a significant scandal has come to a head as former county supervisor Andrew Do has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. This sentencing relates to serious allegations of bribery tied to the COVID-19 relief funds, which has shocked many who were looking for trustworthy leadership during such a challenging time.

Andrew Do, at 62 years of age, is gearing up to report to the low-security Federal Correctional Institution located in lovely Santa Barbara County this upcoming summer. It’s going to be a long five years for him, especially considering the nature of the scandal that unfolded. Prosecutors have uncovered a web of deceit, revealing that Do allegedly exploited his powerful position to pocket over $550,000 in bribes. In return, he directed more than $10 million in county contracts to a nonprofit organization named Viet America Society (VAS), which, interestingly enough, is closely linked to his daughter, Rhiannon.

This shocking case came to light thanks to an in-depth investigation by a local media team. What the investigators found out was nothing short of disturbing. U.S. District Judge James Selna, who presided over the case, pointed out that Do’s actions represented a serious betrayal of public trust—especially during a national emergency when many were looking for assistance from their leaders.

As part of the fallout from this scandal, both Andrew Do and his daughter Rhiannon are found liable for restitution, which could potentially range from $550,000 to $750,000. A scheduled hearing on this matter is set for August 11. Meanwhile, attorneys for Orange County are making a strong case that taxpayers should seek to recover over $11 million due to Do’s misconduct, indicating the wide-reaching implications of this bribery scheme.

Not only has Andrew Do been in the spotlight, but Rhiannon Do has also faced scrutiny. She received a substantial monthly paycheck of $8,000 from VAS, amassing a total of $224,000 from September 2021 to January 2023 while trying to juggle her law school duties. Furthermore, it has come to light that Rhiannon admitted to falsifying a mortgage application to secure a home priced at $1 million in Tustin. Though her actions are troubling, it’s noteworthy that she is not facing criminal charges due to a plea agreement that landed her in a diversion program.

On top of that, another individual involved in this mess—Thanh Huong Nguyen—was arraigned on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, showing just how deep the conspiracy runs. The head of VAS, Peter Anh Pham, is still considered a fugitive, hiding from authorities as he faces multiple charges concerning this corrupt scheme.

Adding another layer to the drama, the indictment alleges that VAS misused funds, claiming they only provided 15% of the contracted money for the intended services. It doesn’t stop there—Do’s other daughter reportedly received $100,000 from VAS, and funds that Do received via bribery were used for his own personal tax and credit card debts. It’s a tangled web of corruption that leaves many in the community shaking their heads.

In the thick of this scandal, prosecutors did not hold back in describing Do’s scheme as “an assault on the very legitimacy of government.” They advocated for the maximum sentence, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. Meanwhile, Do’s defense team has pointed to his past as a public defender and judge, stressing his remorse and noting the community service he had engaged in since everything fell apart.

Now, the court is diving into the civil lawsuits against Do and his alleged accomplices over the mishandling of funds. With previous allegations hinting at him facilitating government contracts for political donors, it raises the question of whether there should be further investigations into county contracts. With the dust still settling on this sensational case, the community will undoubtedly be watching to see what unfolds next.