Former Supervisor Andrew Do Ordered to Pay $878,000 in Restitution

News Summary

Andrew Do, a former Orange County Supervisor, faces a restitution judgment of $878,000 after admitting to accepting bribes during his term. The amount, determined by federal prosecutors, includes nearly $868,000 in bribes and $10,000 in legal fees. Do’s defense argues for a lower restitution figure, contesting the calculations related to his daughter’s salary from a nonprofit linked to the case. The restitution hearing is scheduled for August 11, following Do’s imprisonment for bribery connected to COVID-relief funds meant for vulnerable communities.

Santa Ana, CA — Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is facing a restitution judgment of $878,000 after pleading guilty to accepting bribes while in office. Federal prosecutors have stated that this amount covers approximately $868,000 in bribes and an additional $10,000 in legal fees owed to the county. Do’s defense, however, contests this figure, suggesting that his actual liability should be reduced to $802,692 by deducting his daughter Rhiannon Do’s salary for her work at a nonprofit implicated in the scheme.

In June, Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in prison for a conspiracy to commit bribery related to the misappropriation of COVID-relief funds designated for vulnerable community meal programs. He is scheduled to report to prison on August 15. Before his imprisonment, a federal judge will determine the final restitution amount at a hearing set for August 11.

The scandal revolves around nearly $10 million that was allocated to various organizations under Do’s influence, intended to provide meal assistance to needy residents, particularly elderly and disabled individuals. However, investigations revealed that only about 15% of the funds directed to the Viet America Society (VAS) were actually used for their intended purpose. The bulk of this money was reportedly channeled into bribes and personal gains.

Rhiannon Do, who worked at VAS while also being a full-time law student, allegedly earned what has been described as an “executive-sized salary.” Prosecutors are skeptical of the legitimacy of her employment, suggesting that it was part of a broader scheme aimed at redirecting funds back to her father. Andrew Do has maintained that he was not aware of a larger corruption network and that compensation for his daughter should factor into the restitution calculation.

The county has expressed significant concern regarding the proposed restitution amount, arguing that it falls short of addressing the misuse of public funds, especially given the impact on vulnerable communities. In its victim impact statement, the county sought $11 million in restitution, indicating the wide-reaching consequences of the actions taken by Do and others involved in the scheme.

In addition to financial penalties, a home purchased by Rhiannon Do with bribe money, estimated to be valued at $1.3 million, has already been surrendered to the government as part of the legal proceedings. This forfeiture reflects the attempt by authorities to recover some of the misappropriated public funds.

Judge James Selna is tasked with determining the final restitution figure, which will have implications not only for Andrew Do but also for Rhiannon Do, who faces further civil fraud allegations related to the case. The indictment of Peter Pham, the founder of VAS, on charges of bribery further complicates the situation, as he remains a fugitive from law enforcement.

County supervisors and officials have voiced their disappointment at the situation, asserting that the restitution does not adequately reflect the gravity of the crimes committed by Andrew Do, particularly regarding the vulnerability of the communities that suffered due to the misallocation of funds.

As the legal process unfolds, the upcoming restitution hearing will clarify the financial repercussions for Andrew Do and set a precedent for how similar cases involving public corruption may be addressed in Orange County.

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Additional Resources

• Daily Journal: Andrew Do Challenges Scope of Restitution
• OC Register: Prosecutors Want Former OC Supervisor to Pay $878,000
• MSN: 6 Questions We Still Have After Andrew Do’s Sentencing
• LA Times: Andrew Do Sentenced
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bribery
• Google Search: Andrew Do Corruption Case