Federal Bribery Charges Filed Against Orange County Supervisor

Santa Ana, California – Federal Bribery Charges for Orange County Supervisor

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has agreed to plead guilty to a federal felony charge of conspiracy to commit bribery, marking a significant legal blow amid a scandal involving the misappropriation of COVID-19 relief funds. The 62-year-old supervisor will immediately vacate his position on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

Federal authorities revealed that Do accepted over $550,000 in bribes in exchange for directing more than $10 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to the Viet America Society, which employs his daughter, Rhiannon Do. The U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that this bribery scheme began in 2020 and involved funds intended to support vulnerable populations, including older adults and disabled residents.

Details on the Bribery Scheme

The investigation uncovered that the bribes from the Viet America Society were funneled through an unnamed company that paid Rhiannon Do $8,000 monthly, totaling approximately $224,000 by February 2024. Additionally, over $380,000 was transferred to an escrow account controlled by Rhiannon Do to assist in the purchase of a $1 million home in Tustin, California. Andrew Do’s conduct involved approving contracts and utilizing county funds to benefit both himself and his daughter.

Legal and Financial Repercussions

Following an FBI raid on multiple locations connected to the Viet America Society, suspicions regarding Do’s involvement escalated, leading to legal scrutiny. Subsequently, the Board of Supervisors acted against Do by stripping him of committee assignments and censoring him before his resignation was finalized. Orange County is now pursuing legal action against the Viet America Society for allegedly embezzling more than $13 million intended for pandemic relief.

Upon entering his guilty plea, Andrew Do faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His attorney has communicated an apology on behalf of Do to his family, constituents, and colleagues regarding his malfeasance. Furthermore, he has relinquished rights to his pension accrued during the duration of the bribery scheme and will forfeit properties located in both Santa Ana and Tustin.

Impact on Family and Future Cooperation

Rhiannon Do has also come under the investigation’s scrutiny, agreeing to cooperate with authorities and will enter a diversion program aimed at aiding her in addressing any issues stemming from her involvement in the case. This cooperation may have implications for further legal action pertaining to the broader investigation.

Prosecutorial Statements on Corruption

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that the case illustrates a severe breach of public trust and highlights the assertion that corruption has no place in public office or politics.

This unfolding scandal serves as a cautionary tale regarding transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds, especially critical resources intended to assist those most in need during challenging times.