Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Agrees to Plead Guilty to Bribery Conspiracy Involving COVID-19 Relief Funds

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has agreed to plead guilty to federal bribery charges, marking a significant development in a corruption case involving the misuse of COVID-19 relief funds. According to federal officials, Do and his family received more than $700,000 in bribes as part of a scheme that diverted millions of dollars intended for feeding elderly and needy individuals during the pandemic.

The investigation, which was initiated by LAist in November 2023, uncovered that Do had directed over $19.3 million in COVID relief money, with only about 15% of these funds being used for their intended purpose. The majority of the funds were channeled to a little-known nonprofit led by Do’s daughter, Rhiannon Do, without public disclosure of the family ties.

The nonprofit, which was supposed to provide meals to the elderly, failed to complete a required audit and missed deadlines to provide proof of how the funds were spent. This led to county officials demanding refunds of millions in public funds and eventually filing lawsuits against the nonprofit and its associated businesses.

Do’s resignation from office was announced concurrently with the federal charges, which describe the scheme as “Robin Hood in reverse” due to the redirection of funds meant for vulnerable populations to personal gain. The case highlights significant corruption and misuse of public funds during a critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal agents had previously raided Do’s home and other properties associated with him and his family, and a federal grand jury had been convened with subpoenas issued in the lead-up to the guilty plea agreement.