The Tustin home linked to a significant corruption scheme is now under federal custody.
The U.S. government has seized a Tustin home connected to corruption involving former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. The home, purchased by his daughter using taxpayer funds meant for a nonprofit, raises serious concerns about financial misconduct. Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in prison for accepting bribes, with additional investigations ongoing regarding embezzlement from federal funds. The case highlights the necessity for accountability in public services and the management of taxpayer money.
The U.S. government has seized a home in unincorporated Tustin, associated with a corruption scheme involving former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. The residence was purchased by Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do, for over $1 million in 2023, with the downpayment of $385,000 stemming from taxpayer money intended to support a nonprofit organization she leads.
This nonprofit was responsible for providing meals to needy seniors, making the misuse of funds particularly concerning. Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in prison after accepting bribes disguised as payments linked to his daughters’ financial interests.
These bribes have been confirmed by Judge James V. Selna, who found that Andrew Do had financial interests not only in the Tustin home but also in another property and approximately $2.4 million in bank accounts. Selna ordered the immediate transfer of these assets to federal authorities as part of the investigation into the corruption scheme.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that the Tustin property will be sold, and the proceeds will be returned to Orange County to help mitigate the impact of the financial wrongdoing. Rhiannon Do, now 24, did not face any charges under her father’s plea deal but has been placed on three years of probation as part of a pretrial diversion program.
Rhiannon Do recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine School of Law and must now pass the bar exam and submit a moral character application to the State Bar of California to practice law. Each application is evaluated on an individual basis, which could be influenced by her recent involvement in this corruption case.
Further complicating matters, Andrew Do is expected to plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. He accepted over $550,000 in bribes to redirect federal funds to the Viet America Society, the nonprofit where his daughter was employed. In return for the bribes, Andrew Do voted to allocate more than $10 million in COVID relief funds to the organization beginning in 2020.
The investigation reveals that a portion of the funds from the Viet America Society were ultimately funneled towards a company that made monthly payments to Rhiannon Do, totaling $224,000 by February 2024. Additionally, funds were transferred to Andrew Do for property tax payments and credit card bills.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has publicly censured Andrew Do, pressing for his resignation amid ongoing investigations into the corruption scheme. In response to the increasing scrutiny, Andrew Do agreed to resign immediately from the Board of Supervisors and forfeited pension credits accrued during the period of bribery.
Orange County is also suing the Viet America Society for allegedly embezzling over $13 million in federal funds. Federal investigations have included multiple raids at locations linked to the nonprofit as well as Andrew Do’s residence.
Rhiannon Do has indicated her willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation, which includes her forfeiture of the Tustin home. The indictments and seizures are viewed as a significant move towards holding Andrew Do accountable for his actions and the extensive financial impropriety during his tenure.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the pressing need for accountability in public service and the prudent allocation of taxpayer funds intended for community support.
Federal Judge Orders Forfeiture of $2.4 Million in Corruption Case
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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