News Summary
Andrew Do, a former supervisor in Orange County, has begun his five-year prison sentence for bribery linked to a scheme that misallocated COVID relief funds. His conviction highlighted significant issues with government accountability, as funds intended to help seniors were misused, benefiting his family’s nonprofit organization instead. Do was also ordered to pay restitution, yet the local community remains concerned about the overall damage caused by his actions and the long-term recovery of public trust.
Orange County’s Andrew Do Begins Five-Year Prison Sentence for Bribery
It seems like just yesterday when Orange County’s own Andrew Do, a disgraced former supervisor, reported to federal prison to begin his five-year sentence for a major bribery scheme. What a fall from grace! On Friday, he turned himself in at the United States Penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona, marking a significant chapter in a turbulent story that has rocked the community.
Bribes Undercut COVID Relief Efforts
The ex-supervisor found himself on the wrong side of the law after being convicted of accepting bribes to funnel taxpayer dollars to the Viet America Society. This nonprofit organization was initially designed to help feed hungry seniors during the pandemic, but guess what? Very little of the relief funds actually made it to those in dire need. Instead, this scheme directed more than $10 million of critical relief funds to a place where his own daughter, Rhiannon Do, held various roles including being the president of the group’s mental health clinic.
The Investigation That Sparked It All
Interestingly enough, the investigation that led to Do’s downfall all started with an exposé that raised eyebrows and led to federal scrutiny. With his name linked to the misallocation of over $9 million intended for meal services, it was disclosed that merely 15% of that money actually transformed into meals for the needy. This revelation, shocking as it is, paints a troubling picture of government accountability and transparency.
Legal Troubles and Financial Penalties
This week, the consequences of Do’s actions became even clearer as he was ordered to pay a staggering $878,230.80 in restitution for his role in this corruption scandal. Yet, it seems like local officials are still mulling over the full impact of his actions; they were not satisfied with this restitution figure and are actually pushing for more—over $10 million—to reflect the greater damages suffered by Orange County taxpayers.
The Aftermath of Do’s Conviction
After pleading guilty in 2022, the former supervisor was sentenced in June 2023, and despite his incarceration, questions remain about the scope of the corruption. Numerous investigations are still active to unravel the full extent of this troubling scheme.
Family Ties in the Scandal
Adding another layer to this complex story, Rhiannon Do also found herself in the mix. As part of her father’s plea deal, she participated in a diversion program and was reportedly receiving hefty payments—totalling $224,000 from $8,000 monthly—during a time when the community needed honest, transparent leadership more than ever. It’s an unfortunate reminder that the ties within families can sometimes cloud our judgment and responsibilities.
Restitution and Public Trust
While federal prosecutors project that about $5 million in seized assets could eventually be returned to the hardworking taxpayers of Orange County, the community can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment regarding the restitution amount ordered. The lingering questions regarding trust in elected officials and the integrity of our justice system cast a long shadow over Do’s actions.
A Community in Need of Healing
With Do’s shady dealings officially behind bars, Orange County officials and prosecutors are still actively pursuing recovery of the additional funds tied to this corruption scheme. It’s clear that the road ahead for the community involves not just recovering lost money but also restoring public trust—a tall order considering the stains left by former leaders.
So, while Andrew Do sits in prison, the Orange County community is left to ponder what went wrong, looking forward to a time when leadership is once again synonymous with integrity and accountability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County Prepares for Emergency Election
Orange County’s Andrew Do Faces Consequences for Bribery Scheme
Orange County Congressional Delegation Requests Funding for Local Improvements
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Faces Stiff Sentence for Bribery
Andrew Do Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fund Bribery
FPPC Declines to Investigate Huntington Beach Campaign Allegations
Huntington Beach Politics Heat Up: FPPC Dismisses Complaint
Andrew Do Faces Restitution in Bribery Case
Former Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced for Bribery in Orange County
Aloha Financial Sues Andrew Do and Daughter for $15 Million
Additional Resources
- LAist: Andrew Do Surrenders
- ABC7: Andrew Do to Repay Government
- MSN: Andrew Do Ordered to Pay Restitution
- NBC Los Angeles: Bribery Case Against Andrew Do
- LAist: Orange County Supervisors Ethics Changes
- Wikipedia: Corruption
- Google Search: Bribery in Politics
- Google Scholar: Corruption Schemes in Government
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bribery
- Google News: Andrew Do
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.
