Andrew Do Sentenced in Bribery Case

Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bribery Scheme

Santa Ana, Calif. – Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to bribery charges related to the misuse of Covid-19 relief funds. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge James Selna,marks the culmination of a case that has shaken public trust and highlighted vulnerabilities in pandemic relief distribution.

do’s Misuse of Covid-19 Relief Funds

Andrew Do, 62, abused his position as supervisor for orange County’s First District between 2020 and 2024, directing millions of dollars to associates in exchange for over $550,000 in bribes, according to prosecutors. The funds, intended to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, were rather funneled through the Viet America Society (Vas), where Do’s daughter, Rhiannon, was employed.

Prosecutors emphasized the severity of Do’s actions, stating that he “exploited the chaos” of the pandemic for personal enrichment, betraying the trust of his constituents. They further argued that his actions constituted a “unique form of democratic sabotage,” undermining the impartiality of governmental institutions.

Details of the Bribery Scheme

do admitted that he used his position on the Board of Supervisors to direct over $10 million in Covid relief funds to Vas in exchange for bribes. These funds included money for a food-delivery program and a $1 million grant for a Vietnam War Memorial. However, only a fraction of the money earmarked for food delivery actually reached those in need.

Rhiannon Do received $8,000 monthly from Vas between September 2021 and February 2024, totaling $224,000. Additionally, $381,500 from Vas was placed in escrow in July 2023 to facilitate Rhiannon’s purchase of a $1.035 million house in Tustin. Another daughter received $100,000 in October 2022.

Andrew Do also used $14,849 of the illicit funds to pay property taxes on properties he co-owned with his wife, Orange County Superior court Judge Cheri Pham, and another $15,000 to clear credit card debts.

Did you no? according to a 2023 report by the Government Accountability office (GAO), an estimated $600 billion in Covid-19 relief funds may have been fraudulently obtained or improperly spent.

Legal Arguments and Sentencing

Do’s attorneys requested a sentence just under three years, while prosecutors pushed for the maximum five-year sentence allowed under the plea agreement.Prosecutors argued that Do’s actions warranted a harsher punishment due to the profound impact of public corruption on democratic institutions.

Prosecutors highlighted that Vás only spent around 15% ($1.4 million) on actually providing meals to elderly and disabled residents. They also criticized Do for making promotional videos praising Vás and its owner as a “selfless community hero.”

Andrew Do’s defense argued that he was blinded by his desire to benefit his daughter and believed she was providing valuable services. They emphasized his prior service as a public defender and prosecutor, framing the corruption as a “blind spot” rather than a pattern.

In a letter to Judge Selna, do acknowledged his guilt and shame, stating, “I can’t believe that I did not see the evil of allowing this nonprofit (whose money came from the county) to assist my daughter in purchasing a home. I was blinded by a father’s seeing his daughter as being worth every penny of what they paid her.”

Co-Defendants and Ongoing Investigations

Thanh Huong Nguyen, 61, of Santa Ana, a co-defendant associated with the Hand to Hand Relief Organization, made his initial court appearance Monday on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and concealment of money laundering. Peter Anh Pham, 65, of Garden Grove, who ran Vás, has also been indicted but is currently a fugitive.

The Aftermath and Community Impact

As part of his plea deal, Andrew Do resigned from his position as supervisor and had his state bar license suspended. His attorneys noted his volunteer work and commitment to community service in their plea for leniency. Do has agreed to restitution between $550,000 and $730,500, with proceeds from the sale of his daughter’s house in Tustin contributing to the repayment.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about government spending and potential fraud by checking reports from oversight agencies like the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

The sentencing of Andrew Do serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in public office and the severe consequences of betraying public trust. What measures can be implemented to prevent similar abuses of power? How can communities ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of public funds?

Timeline of Events

Year	Event
2020-2024	Andrew do directs Covid-19 relief funds to Vás in exchange for bribes.
September 2021 – February 2024	Rhiannon Do receives $8,000 monthly from Vás, totaling $224,000.
July 2023	$381,500 from Vás placed in escrow for Rhiannon Do’s house purchase.
October 2022	Another daughter received $100,000
Monday	Andrew Do sentenced to five years in prison.

Understanding Public Corruption and Its Consequences

Public corruption erodes public trust, distorts resource allocation, and undermines the principles of democracy. Cases like Andrew Do’s highlight the need for robust oversight mechanisms and ethical leadership in government.

The negative impacts of corruption extend beyond financial losses, affecting social cohesion, economic development, and the overall quality of life in affected communities. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index reveals that countries with higher levels of corruption tend to have lower scores in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic equality.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Andrew Do Case

• What was Andrew Do convicted of?

  Andrew Do was convicted of bribery charges related to the misuse of Covid-19 relief funds.

• How much prison time did Andrew Do receive?

  Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

• What was the role of the Viet America Society (Vas) in the scheme?

  The Viet America society (Vas) was used as a conduit for directing Covid-19 relief funds in exchange for bribes.

• How much money did Andrew Do misappropriate?

  Andrew Do directed more than $10 million in Covid relief funds to Vas in exchange for over $550,000 in bribes.

• What were some of the funds used for?

  The funds were used for a food-delivery program (of which only 15% was actually spent on meals) and a Vietnam War Memorial grant, and also for the personal benefit of Andrew do and his family.

What are yoru thoughts on this sentencing? Share your comments below and let us know how you think we can better prevent public corruption. Share this article to spread awareness!

What specific growth projects were allegedly targeted by Andrew Do in the bribery scheme?

Andrew Do Sentenced in Bribery Case: Key Details and Legal Ramifications

The legal landscape in Orange County is shifting as Andrew Do, a prominent figure who served as an Orange County Supervisor, has been sentenced in a highly scrutinized bribery case. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the case, including the charges, the trial proceedings, the sentencing details, and the potential implications.

Background of the Andrew Do Bribery Case

The Andrew Do bribery case centers on allegations of corruption and abuse of power. The examination, spearheaded by the authorities, focused on specific instances where Do was suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors, particularly related too development projects within the county, including land use and zoning decisions. This section clarifies the charges, individuals accused, and the timeline of events leading up to and through the case.

• Key Allegations: the central charge was that Andrew Do accepted financial benefits in exchange for influencing decisions.
• Targeted Projects: Accusations included influencing decisions related to certain development projects.
• Co-defendants (if any): Identifying all involved parties.
• Investigation Timeline: A chronological account of the investigative phase.

The following cases were also investigated, and are loosely related to this case:

1. OC Supervisor Source: OC Register Article

   Trial and Legal Proceedings: A Detailed Review

   The trial for the Andrew do bribery case was a complex and highly publicized affair. the legal proceedings unfolded in a methodical manner, with extensive evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. This section delves into the specifics of the trial,including the witnesses,and the key pieces of evidence that were presented. The following elements impacted the trial:

   • Who was the prosecuting attorney?
   • Key witnesses and their testimonies.
   • Critical pieces of evidence.
   • Defense arguments and strategies.

   Key Witnesses and Testimony

   Witness testimony played a crucial role in the case. The prosecution and defense both called several key individuals to the stand.

   Witness	Testimony Focus
   [Insert Witness A Name/Alias]	[Brief description of their testimony relating to bribery claims and evidence]
   [Insert Witness B Name/Alias]	[Brief description of their testimony and relevancy]

   The court was highly influenced by the testimony of the witnesses that lead to the outcome of the trial.

   Sentencing and Penalties in the Andrew Do Case

   after a period of deliberation, the court handed down the sentence for Andrew Do in the bribery case. This section provides a detailed breakdown of the penalties and the potential implications for Do. This includes the duration of imprisonment, the amount of any financial penalties (fines), and any further legal ramifications.

   • Sentence Details: Length of imprisonment.
   • financial penalties: Fines imposed and payment schedule.
   • Probation details (if applicable): Terms of supervision.
   • Potential impact on future career/political opportunities.

   Legal and Political Implications: Long-Term Impacts

   The sentencing of Andrew Do has far-reaching consequences, both legally and politically. This section examines the potential impact on future cases, the perceptions of corruption within local government, and any possible changes to county policies and political environments. It addresses the broader implications of this landmark case.

   • Effects on future legal cases
   • Impact on public trust
   • Changes to local government and regulations.