News Summary
Andrew Do, a former Orange County Supervisor, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme tied to COVID-19 relief funds. He pled guilty to a federal bribery charge after directing millions in taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit in exchange for bribes. Federal prosecutors are now seeking restitution of nearly $900,000 from him, highlighting the abuse of public funds during a national crisis. The sentencing serves as a critical reminder of corruption in public office.
Santa Ana, California – Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme related to COVID-19 relief funds. The ruling was delivered following Do’s guilty plea to a federal bribery charge last year. U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna will decide on restitution related to the case, with prosecutors seeking nearly $900,000 from Do, while the county is pursuing over $10 million.
During his tenure from 2020 to 2024, Do directed millions in taxpayer dollars, including federal COVID funds, to the Viet America Society in exchange for bribes. Federal authorities characterized Do as a “Robin Hood in reverse,” noting that only 15% of the funds were utilized as intended for feeding needy seniors. Throughout the bribery scheme, Do allegedly received over $800,000, which was reportedly funneled through his daughters to conceal his illicit actions.
Do’s prison sentence will commence next week. He resigned from his position as Supervisor as part of a plea agreement. The corruption case against Do has highlighted the exploitation of public funds during a national crisis, taking advantage of vulnerable constituents in need of assistance.
Details of the Bribery Scheme
Do’s actions involved the misallocation of public funds intended to support community services. More than $10 million was allocated to organizations that failed to fulfill their contracted services, particularly in areas such as meal delivery for elderly residents. His daughter, Rhiannon Do, allegedly received $224,000 for her work at the Viet America Society, further entwining family ties in the scandal.
Among the defendants implicated in the investigation are Thanh Huong Nguyen and Peter Anh Pham, the latter of whom is considered a fugitive. Rhiannon Do is expected to face reduced charges in exchange for cooperating with law enforcement in this ongoing investigation.
Judicial Overview and Implications
Judge Selna’s determination regarding restitution will take into account the full extent of the funds received through the bribery scheme, as well as discrepancies in the contributions made to and received from the various organizations involved. The significant sum allegedly involved calls into question the integrity of the government and public trust.
Do’s defense argued that his motivations were connected to his desire to support his daughter, although he accepted that accepting bribes was morally wrong. Since the unfolding of the charges, Do’s law license has been suspended, marking a significant blow to his professional standing.
Community Impact and Reaction
Federal prosecutors expressed a firm stance against public corruption, emphasizing that such actions undermine governmental integrity and affect the trust placed in public officials. The plight of vulnerable citizens during the pandemic brought a heightened sense of urgency to address corruption, especially when it directly intersects with citizens’ welfare.
Rhiannon Do’s residence, purchased with proceeds from the bribery, has been subjected to forfeiture, and it is now listed for sale at approximately $1.3 million. This reflects the ongoing financial repercussions of the corruption scheme affecting the Do family.
The sentencing of Andrew Do serves as a significant marker in addressing public corruption in Orange County and serves as a reminder of the potential harms associated with mismanagement of public funds meant for essential community services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced
- CBS News: Ex-Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced to 5 Years
- OC Register: Prosecutors Want Andrew Do to Pay $878,000 in Restitution
- LA Times: Andrew Do Sentenced for Bribery
- LAist: Government Asks Andrew Do to Pay Back Nearly $900,000
- Wikipedia: COVID-19 Relief Funds
- Google Search: Bribery Scheme
- Google Scholar: Public Corruption
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Corruption
- Google News: Andrew Do Bribery
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
