Southern California county official, Andrew Do, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in a scheme involving misused COVID-19 relief funds meant for feeding the elderly.
Do, who was a county supervisor in Orange County, apologized in federal court for his actions and admitted to taking over half a million dollars in bribes while ensuring federal relief funds were redirected to an organization linked to his daughter.
The big picture; The organization, Viet America Society, which claimed to provide meals to elderly and disabled individuals, was found to have misappropriated funds for purposes such as real estate and a Vietnam War memorial that remains incomplete.
- Authorities disclosed that only 15% of the $9 million channeled to the organization was used for providing meals, prompting a civil lawsuit filed by Orange County for misuse of federal funds.
- As part of the ongoing investigation, officials seized more than $2 million, with efforts aimed at recovering assets tied to the scheme and returning ill-gotten funds to the federal government.
Driving the news: Do, a former Vietnamese refugee who had a career in law and politics in Orange County, recently resigned from his position on the county’s board of supervisors.
- His daughter, Rhiannon Do, is cooperating with authorities under an agreement and will not face charges in connection to the bribery scandal.
What we’re watching: Do is set to be sentenced on March 31.
