In a notable turn of events, a California official is set to plead guilty to conspiracy amid an ongoing federal investigation into COVID-19 relief fund misuse.
Orange County First Supervisor Andrew Do has been accused of orchestrating a scheme to misappropriate millions intended to help vulnerable residents during the pandemic through a charity he supported.
On Tuesday, Do agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and will step down from his role, making him the first Orange County supervisor to face such charges in 50 years, as stated by District Attorney Todd Spitzer.
“Mr. Do has broken public trust,” Spitzer remarked during a joint press conference with federal officials.
Sam Gangwer/The Orange County Register/ AP
This case stems from a federal investigation into how COVID-19 relief funds were managed and distributed to local charities. Allegations indicate that the Viet America Society, a nonprofit highlighted by Do, misused nearly $10 million, with only 15% of the funds going towards its intended mission of providing meals to the elderly and disabled.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada revealed that the remaining funds went to real estate investments and personal interests.
Things escalated when federal agents executed a search warrant at Do’s home, although his daughter, Rhiannon Do, who is cooperating with the investigation, will not face charges.
During the investigation, authorities seized $2.4 million and Do has agreed to forfeit his interests in that amount as well as two homes in Orange County.
Do’s attorney, Paul S. Meyer, expressed minimal commentary but conveyed Do’s heartfelt apologies to his family, constituents, and colleagues.
Having a prominent political presence, Do is a former Vietnamese refugee, a prosecutor, and city council member who has served on the influential five-member Board of Supervisors.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley criticized the “staggering level of corruption” unveiled through this investigation, stating, “Andrew Do and his enablers must face consequences for their actions against the people of Orange County.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are probing others connected to the case, with questions lingering about the involvement of Do’s wife, who is currently a judge in Orange County.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.