News Summary
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme involving over $10 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The scheme included accepting bribes totaling more than $550,000 connected to the Viet America Society, a nonprofit linked to his daughter. Judge James V. Selna criticized the severe impact of public corruption, noting the failure to provide essential services to vulnerable communities. Do was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeited benefits from his time in office.
Santa Ana, California
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery, stemming from his involvement in a scheme that misappropriated over $10 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The 62-year-old accepted bribes exceeding $550,000 connected to these funds which were intended for the Viet America Society (VAS), a nonprofit organization associated with his daughter.
Do’s conviction came in October 2024 as part of a plea agreement, following a thorough investigation into his actions while serving in office. Among the most notable personal consequences of his legal troubles, his daughter Rhiannon Do, 23, used funds routed through VAS to purchase a $1.04 million home in Tustin in July 2023. This property is currently listed for sale at $1.29 million after renovations, and the proceeds from the sale are expected to assist in the restitution for the misappropriated taxpayer money.
During the hearing, Judge James V. Selna expressed notable discontent with the damage public corruption inflicts on communities, stressing that such betrayals extend beyond mere monetary losses. Investigations have revealed that the VAS failed to provide promised services, notably meals for the elderly and disabled, that were part of contracts with the county, impacting some of the most vulnerable populations.
Details of the Bribery Scheme
The bribery scheme involved a convoluted financial structure in which VAS paid $3.8 million to an outside company, which in turn made monthly payments of $8,000 to Rhiannon Do. Several aspects of this operation have raised alarms regarding ethics and governance, targeting Do’s direct influence over contract approvals that benefited his family and associates instead of meeting genuine community needs.
Investigation findings indicated that a total of $1.4 million was diverted from funding that was supposed to support meal programs; instead, it was used for personal benefits for Andrew Do and his family. In a broader response to this corruption, the federal government has seized over $2.4 million linked to VAS and the implicated company.
Consequences and Restitution
In addition to the five-year prison sentence, Andrew Do has been ordered to pay restitution between $550,000 and $730,500. Following the conclusion of his case, he forfeited all pension credits accrued during his tenure as a supervisor and will lose the Tustin property purchased by his daughter. Furthermore, Rhiannon Do has entered a diversion agreement as part of her cooperation in the ongoing investigations surrounding the case.
The gravity of the situation has prompted the Orange County Board of Supervisors to initiate an audit aimed at uncovering how such corruption was able to take place under their watch. The impact of Do’s actions extends beyond financial implications; it has significantly eroded trust among community members in government accountability, particularly among immigrant populations who often depend on government services.
Wider Implications
U.S. officials have condemned the exploitation of public office during a time of crisis, placing scrutiny on the integrity of government leaders who take advantage of vulnerable circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. The unfolding case has catalyzed further investigations into the VAS and other parties connected to this scheme, suggesting that the repercussions of this scandal may extend well beyond Andrew Do himself.
As this situation continues to develop, it remains evident that the ramifications of Andrew Do’s actions are being felt throughout the community, prompting serious discussions about governance, ethics, and the responsibilities of public officials.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced for Bribery in Orange County
Aloha Financial Sues Andrew Do and Daughter for $15 Million
Aloha Financial Investment Inc. Sues Andrew Do for $15 Million
Tustin Home Linked to Corruption Scheme Seized by U.S. Government
Orange County’s Pandemic Fund Scandal: Viet America Society in Hot Water
Orange County’s COVID-19 Testing Partner Under Investigation
Orange County COVID Testing Vendor Under Investigation
Former Orange County Supervisor Sentenced in Bribery Case
Former Orange County Supervisor Faces Sentencing in Bribery Scandal
Santa Ana Stunned by COVID-Relief Fraud Indictments
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times
- KTLA
- Google Search: Andrew Do Orange County corruption
- ABC7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Corruption
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
