UPDATE: A federal judge has ordered former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do to repay the government $878,230.80 following his conviction in a bribery scheme. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge James Selna on January 12, 2025, comes as Do is set to begin a five-year federal prison sentence this Friday.
This urgent development stems from a bribery scandal where Do allegedly funneled millions in government contracts to his associates in exchange for over $550,000 in kickbacks. Federal prosecutors revealed that between 2021 and 2023, Do directed more than $10 million in county contracts to the Viet America Society, a nonprofit that failed to deliver promised services to vulnerable populations.
During a restitution hearing on Monday, both prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that Do should be held accountable for the funds he misappropriated. Prosecutors argued that he should repay $868,612 for direct benefits received, in addition to $9,618.80 in legal fees incurred by the county.
Do’s defense contended that he should owe less, suggesting a maximum repayment of $802,692, based on contributions made by his daughter, Rhiannon Do, in her role at the nonprofit. However, Judge Selna found the case compelling, noting that Do, as an experienced public official, should have recognized the illegality of his actions.
In a statement following the ruling, County Supervisor Janet Nguyen expressed disappointment but emphasized efforts to recover $5 million seized from Do’s assets, including bank accounts and properties linked to his scheme. “We will work with the U.S. Attorney to obtain these funds to return to the residents he stole from,” Nguyen stated.
Do is required to pay $250,000 within 30 days and will continue with monthly payments of $1,000 post-incarceration. Prosecutors criticized the defense’s argument regarding Rhiannon’s contributions, labeling her position as a facade to facilitate bribe payments.
The fallout from this scandal highlights the urgent need for accountability among public officials. The Viet America Society was supposed to provide essential meals and services to the elderly and disabled but reportedly only utilized 15% of the funds for their intended purpose. Investigations revealed that most of the money was misappropriated for personal gains and to support co-conspirators.
As this situation develops, the impact of the ruling is expected to resonate throughout the community, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption. Authorities continue to scrutinize other officials potentially implicated in similar schemes, while the local government reassesses its oversight mechanisms.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, and as officials work to reclaim the funds owed to the community.