Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do Admits to Bribery Charge

SANTA ANA, Calif.—Saying he has “great sorrow” for his actions, former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony federal bribery conspiracy charge.

Do, 61, admitted in his plea agreement that in exchange for more than $550,000 in bribes, he cast votes on the Board of Supervisors beginning in 2020 that directed more than $10 million in COVID relief funds to the Viet America Society, where his daughter Rhiannon worked, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing was set for March 31.

“I have great sorrow for my actions,” Do told U.S. District Judge James Selna when the defendant was asked to state the crimes in his own words.

He could face up to five years in prison, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. He told reporters he anticipates his office will push for the upper end of the punishment included in the federal guidelines.

Selna told Do he has the authority to impose a stiffer sentence, which can be appealed. But Do waives all of his appeals and cannot withdraw the plea if the sentence does not exceed the five years.

Still to be sorted out is how much in restitution Do may have to make. It could be between $550,000 to $730,000 as spelled out in the plea agreement, but prosecutors could recommend the proceeds from the sale of the Tustin home his daughter bought could go toward restitution.

Do’s attorney, Paul Meyer, said after the hearing, “We want to respect the legal process and will not discuss the case or facts. Andrew Do’s in-court acceptance of responsibility to the judge, and his apology to his family and community, was complete and sincere.”

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer told reporters after Thursday’s hearing that it was a “monumental day.”

Spitzer added that “hearing [Do] saying it in his own words was significant and monumental.”

Do’s own account of his crimes “gave me confidence we got it right,” Spitzer said.

When asked about any others who may have been involved in the scheme, Spitzer declined comment.

“Obviously, this is an ongoing investigation,” Spitzer said, adding it would be unfair to discuss any probes of anyone not charged with any crimes.

“We are not done and will pursue every individual involved,” Spitzer said. “We are absolutely committed and dedicated to making full restitution back to the taxpayers.”

Spitzer said he felt “shamed” that the money for a memorial for veterans in Westminster was “squandered.” He said Do’s replacement could be sworn in earlier than the usual date in January.

Do, who was termed out at year’s end, resigned his supervisorial seat as part of his plea deal.

It was a remarkable tumble out of power for the Vietnam War refugee, who was a prosecutor for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and a defense attorney before being elected to the Garden Grove City Council after serving as chief of staff for former Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen. He was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2015, and won another term in 2020.

Prosecutors said some of the county money received by VAS was ultimately funneled through an unnamed outside company that made monthly $8,000 payments to Rhiannon Do, 23, totaling $224,000 by February…By Paul Anderson