OC Supervisor Do agrees to guilty plea in federal bribery case, U.S. Attorney says

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has agreed to plead guilty to federal bribery charges stemming from accusations that he steered more than $10 million in COVID relief funds to a charity connected to his daughter while accepting over $550,000 in bribes, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Do, 62, who has represented District One since 2015, admitted to directing millions in pandemic funds meant for elderly meal assistance to Viet America Society, where his daughter Rhiannon Do held a leading position. According to court documents, VAS then funneled money through various companies, resulting in monthly payments to Rhiannon Do and helping finance her $1 million home purchase in Tustin.

Prosecutors say Do acknowledged that much of the COVID relief money was not used for its intended purpose of providing meals to seniors. Instead, the funds were diverted to benefit insiders through real estate purchases, payments to Do's daughter, and hundreds of thousands in cash withdrawals. U.S. v. Do, 8:24-cr-00126 JVS, (C.D. Cal., filed Oct. 22, 2024)

"By putting his own interests over those of his constituents, the defendant sold his high office and betrayed the public's trust," said U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Martin Estrada. "Even worse, the money he misappropriated and accepted as bribe payments was taken from those most in need - older adults and disabled residents."

Do's attorneys - Paul S. Meyer from Costa Mesa and Eliot Krieger from SKT Law in Huntington Beach - released the following statement: "Out of respect for the legal process, no statement is appropriate at this time. However, it is appropriate to convey Andrew Do's sincere apology and deep sadness to his family, to his constituents in District One, and to his colleagues."

As part of the plea agreement, Do must forfeit assets connected to the scheme, including his daughter's Tustin property, and pay full restitution. He has also agreed to immediately resign from the Board of Supervisors and forfeit related pension credits.

Do faces up to five years in federal prison. His initial court appearance in Santa Ana is expected later this month. Do is married to Orange County Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Cheri Pham.