Orange County Supervisors Debate Andrew Do’s Plea Deal

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Supervisors in Orange County engage in a heated discussion about a controversial plea deal.

News Summary

In a heated two-hour meeting, Orange County supervisors discussed former supervisor Andrew Do’s plea deal amid scandals involving misappropriation of COVID relief funds and ethical concerns. Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Doug Chaffee criticized the leniency of the proposed five-year sentence, while others defended the integrity of law enforcement’s work. Public outcry has called for justice as the community awaits Do’s upcoming sentencing on June 9.

Orange County Supervisors Clash Over Andrew Do’s Plea Deal

In the heart of Santa Ana, tensions flared as Orange County supervisors dove into a two-hour debate about a plea deal involving former supervisor Andrew Do. This meeting, prompted by a motion from Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Doug Chaffee, reveals a community grappling with questions of fairness, justice, and the responsibility of its leaders.

A Scandal of Epic Proportions

Andrew Do is facing the possibility of five years behind bars due to his involvement in a scandal that reportedly saw him misappropriate over $10 million in COVID relief funds, as well as accepting bribes exceeding $700,000. The gravity of these accusations has left many constituents feeling disillusioned and concerned about the perceived leniency of the plea deal. Nguyen has been vocal about the community’s reaction, highlighting that many are asking why Do seems to be enjoying “special treatment” compared to others who have faced similar charges.

Adding to the drama, Nguyen pointed out the harsh reality of the suggested five-year sentence, which translates to a staggering cost of $2 million per year. For many local residents, this amount far exceeds what they could hope to earn in a lifetime, raising eyebrows and intensifying the debate on whether justice is being served.

Concerns Over Email Breach

Supervisor Katrina Foley joined in the calls for a reevaluation of the plea deal after revelations of a significant email breach related to Do. For a period of four months following his guilty plea, Do had been receiving confidential emails meant for county attorneys and board members. This troubling incident casts shadows over Do’s ethical standing and whether he continued to engage in dubious activities even after admitting guilt. Questions arose as to whether Do’s actions post-plea raised serious concerns about his integrity and, perhaps, even his criminal behavior.

Internal Division Among Supervisors

The debate was not without its factions. While Nguyen and Chaffee pushed for a harsh critique of the plea agreement, supervisors Don Wagner and Vicente Sarmiento argued against the motion, asserting that it undermines the hard work of prosecutors and law enforcement involved in the case. Despite initially backing the proposal, Chaffee later moved to seek a unanimous decision among the board members, reflecting the high stakes and varied opinions at play.

Public Outcry and Community Response

During the public comment portion of the meeting, the voices of residents—particularly those within the Vietnamese-American community—resonated strongly in favor of a stiffer sentence for Do. Many expressed that no person should evade justice, especially when public trust and taxpayer money are at stake. The board’s resolution is aimed at urging the Department of Justice to ramp up investigations into others who may also be implicated in Do’s alleged schemes.

The Road Ahead

As the board ultimately postponed the resolution, they aimed to draft a comprehensive written brief to submit to the court ahead of Do’s sentencing on June 9. This document may advocate for the maximum sentence for Do, leaving shareholders and observers alike eager to see what the future holds. Do, who served as a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from 2015 until his resignation earlier this year, was connected to a wider federal investigation into how taxpayer funds were appropriated to a nonprofit run by his daughter.

Judicial Independence

Judge James Selna, who is presiding over Do’s upcoming sentencing, has assured that he intends to render an unbiased decision, independent from the provisions of the plea agreement. With each passing day, the community watches closely, hopeful for justice amid concerns of incomplete accountability and equitable treatment of those who betray public trust.