Supervisor Andrew Do has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and has resigned from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, effective October 22, 2024. The significant announcement was made at a press conference by US Attorney Martin Estrada, OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks, and IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. This development impacts the representation of Orange County residents.
Prosecutors revealed that a total of $9.3 million in taxpayer funds was disbursed through COVID-19 contracts, which were directed by Do. A concerning breakdown was provided: only 15% of these substantial funds reportedly reached individuals who needed assistance. The vast majority, 85%, was diverted into the conspiracy itself and used to facilitate bribe payments. Authorities indicate this conspiracy to commit bribery began in June 2020.
In a critical step toward accountability for taxpayers, $2.4 million of misappropriated taxpayer money has been successfully recovered from various bank accounts. Further investigation meticulously traced approximately $700,000 in bribe payments directly to the Do family, underscoring the personal financial gain derived from public resources.
As a direct consequence of his plea deal, Supervisor Do will forfeit two properties. These assets, located in Santa Ana and Tustin, were identified as having been purchased with the proceeds of the illicit funds. Furthermore, Do has agreed to surrender all pension credits he accumulated since June 2020, coinciding with the commencement of the conspiracy. Separately, his daughter, Rhiannon Do, has been offered a diversion agreement. This agreement requires her cooperation in the ongoing case and the forfeiture of all illicit gains she received.
The detailed investigation outlined multiple avenues through which the funds were misappropriated. These methods included indirect payments made to Do’s daughters, expenditures via an American Express card, payments for Do’s property taxes on multiple properties, and numerous cash withdrawals from ATMs. These actions demonstrate a pattern of using public money for personal and family benefit.
During the press conference, when asked by reporters about the possibility of additional prosecutions, US Attorney Martin Estrada and District Attorney Todd Spitzer confirmed that the broader investigation into this matter remains active and ongoing. This indicates that further developments may emerge as authorities continue their work.
