SANTA ANA, Calif. — A prominent elected official in Orange County, California, has reached an agreement to plead guilty to conspiracy to engage in bribery. This development stems from a scheme linked to both a charity and the improper use of COVID-19 relief funds, as announced by prosecutors on Tuesday.
Andrew Do, who serves as the First District Supervisor for Orange County, is set to resign from his position, a statement from District Attorney Todd Spitzer confirmed during a joint news conference with federal law enforcement officials. Spitzer expressed that Do “unequivocally broke the trust of the public,” marking this as the first time in 50 years that an Orange County supervisor has faced criminal conviction.
This case follows federal agents executing a search warrant at the residences of Andrew Do and his daughter, Rhiannon Do, amid a protracted investigation concerning the suspected misuse of public funds. Officials clarified that Rhiannon Do will not face any criminal charges and is cooperating fully with the ongoing inquiry.
Andrew Do’s attorney, Paul S. Meyer, remarked, “Out of respect for the legal process, no statement is appropriate at this time. However, it is important to express Andrew Do’s sincere apology and deep sadness to his family, constituents in District One, and his colleagues.”
Orange County, which is situated between Los Angeles and San Diego and home to three million residents, initiated a civil lawsuit earlier this year against a local nonprofit, the Viet America Society. The lawsuit alleges that the organization misappropriated funds intended to assist the elderly and disabled during the pandemic, instead using approximately $10 million to acquire properties.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada indicated that Andrew Do signed an agreement to plead guilty to conspiracy involving bribery related to a broad scheme that diverted federal funds meant to support vulnerable residents during the pandemic for personal advantage. As part of the agreement, Do has consented to step down from his role on the board of supervisors.
Despite promoting a meals program for residents, only about 15% of the more than $9 million allocated to the Viet America Society was utilized for that intended purpose, according to Estrada.
As part of the investigation, federal authorities seized $2.4 million, which Andrew Do has agreed to forfeit along with two properties located in Orange County. Estrada opted not to disclose any information regarding potential implications for Do’s wife, who currently serves as a judge in Orange County, stating that the investigation is still active.
Supervisor Katrina Foley expressed her dismay at what she described as an “astonishing level of corruption, greed, and deception” revealed in the federal indictments. She emphasized that Andrew Do and those who assisted him must face accountability for their actions against the people of Orange County.
A former Vietnamese refugee, Andrew Do transitioned from a career as a prosecutor to city councilmember, eventually earning a position on the county’s five-member board of supervisors as a Republican representative.