Orange County Supervisors Advocate for Stricter Sentence for Andrew Do

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Discussion in a courtroom about transparency in justice within the community.

News Summary

In Orange County, Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Doug Chaffee are urging federal prosecutors to impose a harsher sentence on former Supervisor Andrew Do. Citing inequalities in the justice system, they believe Do’s plea deal of five years is unduly lenient compared to harsher penalties in similar corruption cases. Do, who pled guilty to felony bribery conspiracy, misused public funds for personal gain, affecting vulnerable communities. As preparations for his sentencing on June 9 are underway, Nguyen and Chaffee are calling for accountability not just for Do but for others involved in corruption.

Orange County Supervisors Push for Tougher Sentence on Ex-Supervisor Andrew Do

Orange County is buzzing with conversations as two county supervisors, Janet Nguyen and Doug Chaffee, make a *strong plea* aimed at federal prosecutors. They are calling for a longer prison sentence for former Supervisor Andrew Do, emphasizing that he received *preferential treatment* in the legal system.

Do’s plea deal currently caps his potential prison time at five years, a duration that Nguyen and Chaffee believe reflects a *discrepancy in justice*. They argue that *other prominent corruption cases* have seen far harsher penalties, drawing a stark comparison to the 16-year sentence given to former Lynwood Mayor Paul Richards, who faced punishment for directing city contracts to his own company. The supervisors are keen to spotlight this inequality, suggesting Do’s single criminal charge does not capture the *full extent of his corrupt activities* during his time as an elected official.

Andrew Do’s Controversial Plea Deal

Scheduled for sentencing on June 9, Andrew Do pleaded guilty to felony bribery conspiracy after he was found to be directing millions in taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit organization where his daughter, Rhiannon Do, held crucial positions. This plea deal emerged after a federal investigation sparked by an in-depth examination of Do’s misuse of public funds. The inquiry, initiated by a local media outlet, unveiled glaring discrepancies that put a spotlight on Do’s actions and their harmful impact on the community.

Following their revelations, Nguyen and Chaffee are taking it a step further by urging the Justice Department to speed up its investigations into other individuals who may be involved in similar corruption schemes connected to Andrew Do. They are ready to vote on sending a formal letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, stressing the urgency of holding those complicit accountable for their actions.

Calls for Justice and Accountability

With growing concerns about the lack of prosecutions against others implicated in the scheme, the supervisors are questioning the *integrity of the justice system*. They emphasize that Do’s actions have had a direct negative impact on vulnerable communities that were reliant on emergency relief funds during the pandemic. In their view, justice should not only be served to individuals seized in corruption narratives but must also reflect a broader commitment to holding all offenders equally accountable.

On the other side of the table, Do’s attorney has dismissed the supervisors’ approach as a *political maneuver* aimed at pressuring the justice system. As Do’s sentencing approaches, federal Judge James Selna, who is overseeing the case, has indicated that he is not tied to the plea agreement and will independently decide the punishment based on the merits of the case.

A Glimpse Into Do’s Past

Notably, Andrew Do previously served as Janet Nguyen’s chief of staff before their disagreement more than a decade ago, which eventually led to him winning the supervisor seat she would later fill. Interestingly, Do resigned two months early as part of his plea agreement while ongoing reviews of his projects continued among various county entities, including CalOptima, which provides health insurance for low-income residents.

Now, Bill Essayli has stepped in as the interim leader for the regional U.S. Attorney’s Office, taking charge of the prosecution against Do. There are ongoing investigations regarding allegations of fraud linked to Do, potentially involving millions meant for charitable efforts that ultimately benefited his family.

Concerns continue to arise over possible undisclosed partnerships with Peter Pham, who received COVID-related funds through a front organization but fell short on delivering the promised services. Meanwhile, Orange County has initiated a lawsuit against Do and his co-conspirators in an effort to recover diverted funds resulting from his alleged corrupt actions.

In a surprising twist, Janet Nguyen has publicly criticized the existing plea agreement, suggesting that it contains *loopholes* that seem to favor political figures rather than everyday citizens facing similar charges. This has certainly stirred the pot, igniting a larger conversation about *justice and equality* within the legal landscape of Orange County.