Former OC Supervisor Gets 5 Years for $12M COVID Relief Fraud: What It Means for You
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a $12 million public corruption scheme that misused COVID-19 relief funds. His conviction sends a clear message: public corruption and financial crimes are taken seriously—not just by the federal government, but also by the State of California.
At Wallin & Klarich, we’ve represented countless individuals facing complex fraud and theft charges, and we know how devastating these allegations can be—especially when they involve large sums of money or public funds. If you’re facing similar charges, this case highlights how important it is to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can guide you through the legal process. Call Wallin & Klarich today toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for your free consultation with one of our defense attorneys near you.
The Case: A Breach of Public Trust
Andrew Do pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery involving federal funds. As a county supervisor during the pandemic, Do had control over millions in federal emergency aid. According to federal prosecutors, he used his position to steer COVID-19 relief funds to nonprofits run by his co-conspirators—Peter Pham and Thanh Huong Nguyen—in exchange for more than $500,000 in bribes.
Only about 15% of the $9.3 million allocated to one of the nonprofits, Viet America Society, was actually used for its intended purpose: feeding homebound seniors. The rest was allegedly funneled into shell companies, real estate, and personal accounts—including a down payment on a home purchased in Do’s daughter’s name.
Embezzlement and Grand Theft in California
Although Do’s case was prosecuted federally, many similar crimes are charged under California state law, especially when they involve public funds, private employers, or nonprofits.
Under California law:
- Embezzlement (Penal Code § 503) is defined as the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it.
- Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487) applies when the value of the property exceeds $950.
Penalties for grand theft or felony embezzlement may include:
- Up to 3 years in state prison
- Fines and restitution
- Formal probation
- A strike under California’s Three Strikes Law (in some cases involving prior convictions)
And when public officials are involved, courts may hand down enhanced sentences to reflect the breach of public trust.
Defending Embezzlement and Grand Theft Charges
Facing embezzlement or theft charges can feel overwhelming—but there are legitimate defenses that may apply depending on your situation. At Wallin & Klarich, we’ve successfully defended clients using strategies such as:
- Lack of intent: You must have intentionally taken the property to be guilty. Honest mistakes in accounting or business operations are not crimes.
- Consent: If the property owner gave you permission, even informally, it may not qualify as embezzlement.
- Insufficient evidence: We’ve seen many cases where the prosecution simply doesn’t have the records or documentation to prove their claims.
- False accusations: Sometimes, charges arise out of workplace disputes, misunderstandings, or personal vendettas.
Why You Need Experienced Legal Help
Andrew Do’s case involved millions of dollars and years of investigation. But you don’t need to be a public official to face serious consequences for financial crimes in California. Even a misunderstanding or a single poor decision can lead to criminal charges with life-changing consequences.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you have been charged with a financial crime, you need to contact an experienced attorney to fight for your freedom. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped many clients ensure they receive a fair trial in their criminal defense cases. We know the most effective strategies to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
At Wallin & Klarich, we have offices all over Southern California: Irvine, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Torrance, Victorville, and Anaheim. Additionally, our law firm can handle many types of cases statewide.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney near you.
