A high-ranking California county supervisor's fall from grace has sent shockwaves through local government circles.
According to the Washington Examiner, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has agreed to resign and plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges in connection with a multimillion-dollar scheme involving COVID-19 relief funds intended for senior citizens in need.
The scandal involves the misappropriation of $19.3 million in federal funds, with only 15% reaching its intended beneficiaries. Do accepted bribes exceeding $550,000 while directing and voting to allocate more than $10 million in COVID-19 funds to Viet America Society (VAS), a charity connected to his daughter Rhiannon Do.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the criminal charges and plea agreement, revealing the extensive nature of Do's corrupt activities. The investigation uncovered that Do collaborated with other Orange County employees to approve contracts and payments to VAS, explicitly acknowledging his abuse of position and corrupt actions to federal authorities.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his outrage about the case. He emphasized the particularly egregious nature of the crime, given its timing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Attorney Estrada delivered a strong message regarding the case:
By putting his own interests over those of his constituents, the defendant sold his high office and betrayed the public's trust. Even worse, the money he misappropriated and accepted as bribe payments was taken from those most in need, older adults and disabled residents. Our community deserved much better. Corruption has no place in our politics, and my office will continue to hold accountable officials who cheat the public.
The investigation into Do's activities began unfolding last year after LAist published findings about his directing or voting to direct approximately $13.5 million to VAS without disclosing his daughter's connection to the organization. This revelation prompted the county to conduct an audit and demand the return of funds from VAS.
Do's illegal activities included using $381,000 of the misappropriated funds to purchase a home in Tustin, within the Los Angeles metro area, and transferring $100,000 to his daughter.
The scandal's ripple effects continued with the resignation of Do's chief of staff following reports about his girlfriend's employment with another nonprofit receiving substantial county contracts.
State Senator Janet Nguyen condemned Do's actions, stating:
Today is a sad day for Orange County. Taxpayers have every right to be outraged at the millions of dollars stolen from the public treasury, meant for the neediest in our community. The fact that Supervisor Andrew Do and his family are the beneficiaries of this crime, at the expense of hungry seniors during COVID, is unfathomable.
In response to the growing scandal, Orange County filed a lawsuit against VAS in August and censured Do in September. The case has highlighted serious concerns about oversight of public funds and the need for greater transparency in local government operations.
The county's response included multiple accountability measures, including legal action and formal censure. These actions demonstrate the severity of Do's misconduct and its impact on public trust in local government institutions.
The resolution of this case marks a significant moment in Orange County's fight against public corruption. Andrew Do's guilty plea to conspiracy charges revealed a sophisticated scheme that diverted millions in COVID-19 relief funds meant for vulnerable seniors. The case demonstrates how public officials exploited the pandemic for personal gain, resulting in swift action from federal prosecutors and local authorities to restore accountability in public service.
