News Summary
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is facing a significant restitution bill of $878,000 due to bribery allegations while in office. This amount includes bribes and legal fees, with Do’s defense arguing for a lower total. His previous five-year prison sentence and connections to alleged bribery through his daughter raise further concerns among Orange County residents regarding accountability. As the legal battle continues, a restitution hearing is scheduled to determine the final amount, increasing the scrutiny on local government dealings.
Orange County’s Andrew Do Faces Huge Restitution Bill
In what’s shaping up to be a massive legal battle, former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is being hit with a hefty restitution amount of $878,000 as federal prosecutors accuse him of accepting bribes while in office. This could definitely be a serious blow for Do and his family, considering the circumstances involved.
Breaking Down the Numbers
So, what does that $878,000 cover? Well, it includes around $868,000 in bribes and funds to cover legal fees owed to the county. But hold on, it gets a bit more complicated. Do’s defense team argues that he should really only be on the hook for about $802,692 after considering the dollars that were reportedly paid to his daughter, Rhiannon Do, for work she did with a nonprofit tangled in this whole mess.
Five Years Behind Bars
Earlier this year, in June, Andrew Do was sentenced to serve five years in prison for his involvement in conspiring to commit bribery linked to the embezzlement of funds meant for COVID relief. This sentence has left many residents of Orange County wondering just how such a situation could happen and what it means for their community.
Where Did the Money Go?
As part of his duties, Do directed more than $10 million in county contracts to groups that were supposed to provide meals—sounds noble, right? However, only a mere 15% of those funds were actually used for their intended purpose. That’s a staggering revelation and raises serious questions about accountability.
Rhiannon Do’s Involvement
Rhiannon, who was balancing her duties at the Viet America Society with being a full-time law student, allegedly received a salary that was described as “executive-sized.” It’s been contested that this salary was essentially a camouflage for funnelling bribe payments to her father, which has certainly caught the attention of federal prosecutors.
The Legal Tug-of-War
The defense argues that her salary should be deducted from the restitution amount. But prosecutors are pushing back hard, asserting that no deductions should be made, as her position was intertwined with the corrupt scheme. Quite the legal back-and-forth, isn’t it?
Repercussions and Next Steps
Adding a layer of complexity to the case, a home in Tustin—purchased with some of the bribe money by Rhiannon—has been surrendered and will be sold to help cover the restitution. This case keeps on unfolding and the implications are significant. The amount being sought in restitution is a fraction of what Orange County initially sought. Officials had called for around $11 million in a victim impact statement, expressing disappointment with the proposed figure.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for August 11th! That’s when a restitution hearing is set to take place, overseen by U.S. District Judge James Selna. He’ll decide the final restitution amount. Not only that, Judge Selna’s order implies that Rhiannon Do will be held jointly liable for the restitution, further complicating the family dynamics.
Not Alone in This
This courtroom drama doesn’t end with Do. Other co-conspirators in the case have been indicted, with one—Peter Pham—currently considered a fugitive. The whole situation has definitely stirred a pot of feelings among Orange County residents, who are calling for accountability for the mishandling of funds that were supposed to assist their most vulnerable during a crisis that affected everyone.
As this legal saga continues, the community will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that reflects justice and accountability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced for Bribery in Orange County
Aloha Financial Investment Inc. Sues Andrew Do for $15 Million
Former Orange County Supervisor Sentenced in Bribery Case
Former Orange County Supervisor Faces Sentencing in Bribery Scandal
Additional Resources
- LAist: Government Asks Disgraced Former Orange County Supervisor to Pay Back Nearly $900,000
- CBS News: Ex-Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Gets 5 Years in Prison for Bribery
- NBC Los Angeles: Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Bribery Case
- Courthouse News: Former Orange County Supervisor Sentenced to Five Years for Bribery
- OC Register: Prosecutors Want Former OC Supervisor to Pay $878,000 in Restitution
- Wikipedia: Bribery
