Federal Judge Orders Forfeiture of $2.4 Million in Corruption Case

News Summary

A federal judge has ordered the forfeiture of $2.4 million linked to former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do’s corruption scheme involving misappropriated pandemic funds. The assets include bank accounts and properties associated with Do and his daughter, Rhiannon. Following his sentencing to five years in prison, the community is eager to see how the forfeited funds will be used to support services for the vulnerable populations harmed by this scandal. Legal reforms are also underway in Orange County to prevent future corruption.

Santa Ana, California – Federal Judge James V. Selna has finalized orders to forfeit $2.4 million in assets linked to former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do’s corruption scheme. The forfeited assets include bank accounts and two properties, one of which was purchased by Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do. This order marks a significant step in holding accountable those involved in the misappropriation of pandemic funds intended for vulnerable populations.

This enforcement action follows a sentence handed to Andrew Do the previous week, where he was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to steal millions designated for seniors and people with disabilities. The judge’s order requires the sale of the two properties and mandates that any occupants vacate within two weeks. Federal agents have the authority to enforce this if necessary.

Rhiannon Do was present at the property during a federal search last August. Community members have shown interest in how the funds from the forfeiture will be allocated, especially for services that were denied to seniors and disabled individuals due to Andrew Do’s corruption. Federal prosecutors have indicated that the proceeds from the property sales will be returned to the County of Orange, allowing local officials the discretion on how to utilize the funds.

Supervisor Janet Nguyen has advocated for the use of these funds to benefit constituents who were deprived of essential services due to the scandal. Other members of the board of supervisors have expressed a desire for the funds to primarily address the needs of the underprivileged, particularly regarding food insecurity, as well as to reimburse costs incurred by the investigations into the corruption.

Both Andrew Do and Rhiannon Do are deemed “jointly liable” for the restitution of the stolen funds, with a separate hearing scheduled to ascertain the exact amount owed. Andrew Do directed over $10 million in pandemic funds to a nonprofit that he influenced, intended for meal services but largely misappropriated for personal gain. Rhiannon Do participated in the scheme as well, having made false statements on a loan application, but she was able to avoid prosecution by entering into a diversion agreement that allows her to pursue further education, including studying for the bar exam after her graduation from UC Irvine School of Law in June 2023.

A federal investigation into the Viet America Society and the Hand-to-Hand Relief Organization continues, indicating deeper connections between Andrew Do’s family and the ongoing corruption scandal. As part of his sentence, Andrew Do is expected to report to federal prison by August 15, 2024. In response to these events, legal and administrative changes have been implemented in Orange County to enhance oversight and prevent future occurrences of corruption.

The outcome of this case serves as a critical reminder of the need for accountability in public office, particularly as it relates to the allocation of funds intended for society’s most vulnerable members. The community continues to monitor these developments to ensure justice is served and resources are properly directed toward those in need.

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HERE Resources

Andrew Do Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Funds Bribery
Former Orange County Supervisor Sentenced for Bribery
Federal Bribery Charges Filed Against Orange County Supervisor
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Albania Prepares for Key Parliamentary Elections
Orange County Prepares for Special Meeting on Bribery Scandal

Additional Resources

• Orange County Register: Will More Be Charged in the Andrew Do Bribery Conspiracy?
• Wikipedia: Bribery
• CBS News: Ex-Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced to 5 Years for Bribery
• Google Search: Andrew Do corruption
• Los Angeles Times: Andrew Do Sentenced
• Google Scholar: Andrew Do corruption
• Los Angeles Times: Andrew Do Sentenced
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption
• NBC Los Angeles: Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Bribery Case
• Google News: Andrew Do case