News Summary
Judge Cheri Pham has returned to family court after her husband, Andrew Do, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to kickbacks. Facing significant public scrutiny, Pham transitions to overseeing domestic violence cases, a shift from her previous leadership role. Community members express disappointment as Pham, once a respected figure in the Vietnamese American legal community, navigates the implications of her husband’s legal issues amidst investigations into financial misconduct.
Santa Ana, California – Judge Cheri Pham has returned to family court after stepping down from her leadership role as the assistant presiding judge of the Superior Court of Orange County. This follows her husband, former county Supervisor Andrew Do, entering a guilty plea to conspiracy to receive kickbacks. His actions have raised questions about potential implications for Pham, although no charges have been brought against her.
Andrew Do is facing a potential sentence of up to five years in prison after it was revealed that he stole over half a million dollars, with some funds benefiting the couple’s two adult daughters, Rhiannon and Ilene. His sentencing is scheduled to occur soon, but the details surrounding the source of the misappropriated funds have drawn significant scrutiny.
In light of the recent events, Judge Pham has transitioned to overseeing domestic violence cases in family court. This move comes after she did not submit her nomination for the presiding judge position last fall, a decision made shortly before Do’s guilty plea. The domestic violence court environment, which deals with urgent protective orders and emotionally intense cases, is a shift from her previous responsibilities that included managing a budget of approximately $250 million and addressing public complaints as the assistant presiding judge.
While Pham’s judicial career began in 2010 and has seen her rise through the ranks—including being unopposed in her election and serving as assistant presiding judge from 2022—her current role may be affected by the negative publicity surrounding her husband’s legal troubles. Community members have expressed disappointment, as Pham was once viewed as a role model within the Vietnamese American legal community.
Andrew Do directed nearly $10 million in COVID-19-related funds to the Viet America Society, an organization now under investigation for financial misconduct, including kickbacks intended for their family. Rhiannon Do has admitted to filing a falsified mortgage application, which resulted in a plea deal for probation. Additionally, an indictment against the founders of the Viet America Society includes charges of bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
Despite the controversy, it remains unclear what Judge Pham knew about her husband’s actions. There has been speculation about her being sidelined due to the fallout from the situation. During a 2023 podcast interview, she emphasized the importance of accountability and leadership responsibility, highlighting the necessity for leaders to own their decisions. However, the public may never fully understand the extent of her involvement or knowledge regarding her husband’s misconduct, as she was involved in discussions about a public statement denying wrongdoing amid the ongoing investigation.
Judge Pham’s career highlights include previous assignments as the criminal supervising judge and various duties related to case assignments. Having fled Vietnam as a refugee in 1975, she graduated summa cum laude from UCLA and later earned her law degree from UC Berkeley. A respected figure within the legal community, Pham will be up for re-election in 2028, though the implications of her husband’s actions may influence her standing.
The fallout from this incident raises important questions about the intersections of public service, personal relationships, and accountability. Cheri Pham’s current focus on family law will require navigating complex, often emotional, cases that demand sensitivity and dedication despite the surrounding challenges. While her professional trajectory has been impacted, it remains to be seen how these circumstances will develop moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Judge Cheri Pham Steps Away
- Wikipedia: Cheri Pham
- Courthouse News: Former Supervisor Sentenced
- Google Search: Andrew Do Orange County
- ABC7: Jury Finds District Attorney Harassed Prosecutor
- Google Scholar: Orange County Politics
- Los Angeles Times: Jury Determines DA Harassed Prosecutor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judge Cheri Pham
